Arrington Fights Back Against Far-Left Officials Targeting Immigration Enforcement

Washington, D.C. - House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced H.R. 6608, the Safeguarding Homeland Immigration Enforcement from Local Detention (SHIELD) Act - new legislation responding to escalating rhetoric from far-Left state and local officials who have threatened to arrest or prosecute federal immigration agents for doing their jobs. The SHIELD Act ensures that no jurisdiction can obstruct federal immigration enforcement for political reasons, and it cuts off all federal funds to any state or locality that arrests, detains, prosecutes, or otherwise interferes with a federal officer performing immigration-related duties.

"Any state or local leader who arrests federal agents for enforcing immigration law are abandoning the heart of constitutional order, aiding and abetting criminal illegal aliens, and fueling the perverse incentives that drive illegal immigration," said Chairman Arrington. "My Safeguarding Homeland Immigration Enforcement from Local Detention (SHIELD) Act stands up for the rule of law and pushes back on far-Left radicals by cutting off every federal dollar to any jurisdiction that obstructs or prosecutes our officers - even once - carrying out their critical security responsibilities. I'm proud to lead the fight to support our federal officers and hold lawless politicians who undermine the safety and security of the United States fully accountable."

"I am proud to stand with my friend Representative Arrington in our shared fight to protect Americans from violent illegal aliens," said Representative Tim Burchett (TN-02). "The SHIELD Act prevents liberal municipalities from obstructing federal immigration enforcement by stripping their federal funding. No city or state government should be able to subvert the Trump Administration's goal of deporting the millions of illegals that came into our country under President Biden."

"Federal immigration officers must be able to carry out their duties without intimidation from activist officials who undermine federal law," said Representative Claudia Tenney (NY-24). "The SHIELD Act reinforces the constitutional authority of the federal government by cutting off federal funds to any jurisdiction that targets or obstructs ICE agents. This common sense legislation strengthens the rule of law and safeguards those who protect our communities."

"As a cosponsor of the SHIELD Act, I am committed to ensuring that federal immigration enforcement officers can carry out their duties without interference from state or local governments," said Representative Rich McCormick (GA-07). "Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and no jurisdiction should be allowed to arrest, prosecute, or obstruct federal officers for simply doing their jobs. Upholding the rule of law and protecting the men and women enforcing our immigration laws is essential to public safety and the security of our nation."

"Our immigration agents put their lives on the line every day to uphold the rule of law," said Representative Glenn Grothman (WI-06). "We're facing a constitutional crisis when local governments try to block federal agents from enforcing our immigration laws. Every country has immigration laws, and we cannot remain a nation if ours aren't enforced. Chairman Arrington's SHIELD Act draws a clear line: if you undermine federal immigration enforcement, you lose federal dollars. This legislation protects our ICE agents and pushes back on local officials who interfere with enforcement. I'm proud to support it."

"Federal agents must be able to protect Americans from illegal aliens without threat of arrest by liberal elected officials," said Representative Clay Higgins (LA-03). "President Trump has delivered the most secure border in our nation's history. We shall continue strong immigration enforcement. I'd like to thank Chairman Arrington for taking the lead on this legislation."

"I'm proud to support the Safeguarding Homeland Immigration Enforcement from Local Detention (SHIELD) Act that puts a stop to radical state and local officials threatening to arrest or prosecute federal immigration agents for enforcing the law," said Representative Keith Self (TX-03). "Under this bill, any jurisdiction that dares to obstruct ICE or Border Patrol officers will lose every penny of federal funding-no exceptions. If politicians providing sanctuary to criminals wage war on federal law enforcement, they will be doing it without a single dollar of taxpayer money from hardworking Americans. Our brave agents risk their lives to secure the border and remove dangerous criminals; the least we can do is make sure rogue officials can't throw them in jail for doing their jobs."

Background:

• Under the SHIELD Act, a single instance of arresting, detaining, prosecuting, or obstructing a federal immigration officer triggers full loss of federal financial assistance for that fiscal year.
• The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, determines whether a jurisdiction has violated the law.
• Funding may be restored only if the AG certifies the jurisdiction has ceased the offending conduct and provides written assurances that it will not recur.
• The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
• "Federal funds" includes all forms of assistance-grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and more.
• The purpose is to protect federal immigration enforcement officers and prevent states and localities from undermining federal immigration law for ideological or political reasons.