Law Enforcement Solidarity Act Puts Federal Funding for Local Services on the Line Over Immigration Cooperation

The “Law Enforcement Solidarity Act” is a bill that gives the Attorney General (AG) the power to flag local jurisdictions—think your city or county—if they aren’t cooperating enough with federal immigration enforcement. The main consequence? If flagged, that jurisdiction becomes ineligible for federal funds they planned to spend specifically on services for undocumented immigrants.

The AG’s New Scorecard: Cooperation or Consequences

This bill essentially creates a new mechanism for the federal government to enforce its immigration priorities at the local level. Starting 60 days after the bill becomes law, the AG gets to decide if a local government has “law enforcement cooperation restrictions” (SEC. 2). They’re looking for any local rule or policy that stops local officials or police from helping out or even responding to a call from a federal law enforcement officer, including those from the Department of Homeland Security (SEC. 4). This definition is pretty broad and could apply to almost any policy that limits how local police interact with federal immigration agents.

Where the Money Stops

If the AG puts your city on the non-cooperation list, that city loses access to federal funding earmarked for undocumented immigrants (SEC. 2). This is a focused penalty—it doesn't necessarily cut off all federal money, but it targets specific grants. For local governments that rely on these grants to run essential community programs—like certain health services, language programs, or community aid—losing this money means they have to either cut the program or find local taxpayer dollars to cover the gap. This puts significant pressure on local budgets and forces local leaders to choose between their existing policies and federal funding.

The Annual Naming and Shaming

Beyond cutting off funds, the AG is required to publish an annual report for Congress listing every single jurisdiction deemed non-cooperative (SEC. 3). This effectively creates a public, yearly list of cities and counties that the federal government views as roadblocks to its immigration enforcement efforts. While this doesn't directly impact your daily commute, it raises the stakes in the ongoing tension between federal and local authority, potentially turning local policy disagreements into national political flashpoints.

The Real-World Impact on Local Services

For the average person, this bill highlights the complex financial tightrope local governments walk. Say your county uses federal grants to run a clinic that provides crucial, low-cost health services, and a portion of that funding is designated for undocumented residents. If the county is flagged and loses that specific funding stream, the entire clinic might face cuts or closure, impacting everyone who relies on it—not just the targeted group. The bill gives the AG significant, subjective power to decide what counts as “cooperation,” which could create a lot of uncertainty for local leaders trying to manage their budgets and maintain essential services.