Bill ties federal COPS grants to ICE partnership agreements

What does this do?

HR 8077 would require state and local police departments to sign a 287(g) memorandum of agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to remain eligible for federal COPS grants. These grants currently fund officer hiring, equipment purchases, and community policing programs. Departments would have 180 days after enactment to sign or lose access to the funding.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects state and local law enforcement agencies across the country, with particular impact on smaller and mid-sized departments that depend on COPS grants for basic operating costs. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security would jointly verify compliance before approving any grant awards.

Why does it matter?

Departments that decline to sign a 287(g) agreement would be ineligible to apply for or receive COPS grants beginning in fiscal year 2027. The bill uses federal grant eligibility as a condition to draw local agencies into immigration enforcement duties normally handled by federal agents.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• COPS grants fund hiring and equipment
• Loss of access starts FY 2027
• Noncompliant departments lose eligibility