Cline Targets Virginia Policies in New Immigration Enforcement Bill

U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, R-6th District, has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement on immigration enforcement—framing the proposal in part as a response to policies in Virginia.

The bill, titled the 287(g) Cooperation Act of 2026, would require state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in order to receive certain federal funding. Agencies would need to participate in the 287(g) program—a partnership that allows local officers to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws—as a condition for receiving Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants.

“The federal government should be working hand-in-hand with state and local law enforcement to enforce our immigration laws,” Cline said. “The 287(g) Cooperation Act ensures that communities receiving federal policing funds are also partnering with ICE to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”

Cline’s office said the legislation is intended, in part, to counter policies supported by Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Those policies—often referred to by critics as “sanctuary-style” measures—can restrict how and when local agencies assist ICE.

Supporters of such policies, including many Democratic leaders, argue they are designed to build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging cooperation in reporting crimes and improving public safety overall. Critics, including Cline, say the policies can hinder enforcement and allow individuals who have committed crimes to avoid federal immigration consequences.

Several immigration policy organizations supported the bill.

“The 287(g) program is an essential tool that has local law enforcement partner with federal law enforcement to deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” said Michael Hough, co-president of NumbersUSA, who argued that limiting cooperation “is not only bad, but also unfortunately deadly for too many law-abiding citizens.”

Grant Newman of the Immigration Accountability Project said the legislation would ensure federal funds are directed only to jurisdictions that cooperate with immigration enforcement.

“It is unconscionable that sanctuary jurisdictions… are nevertheless able to take advantage of federal law enforcement grants,” Newman said.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) also backed the measure, calling it “a decisive step” toward strengthening public safety.

The proposal comes amid broader national and state-level debates over immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement. In Virginia, the issue has drawn increasing attention as lawmakers and local governments weigh policies related to cooperation with federal agencies.

Cline’s bill has been introduced in the House and will be considered by committee. No timeline has been announced for further action.