Bill > HR864

This bill, known as the "Freedom to Cooperate Act," aims to clarify and strengthen federal jurisdiction over immigration law and policy by making several key changes. First, the bill nullifies state laws that might restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, explicitly stating that no state can prohibit government entities or officials from complying with immigration laws or assisting federal law enforcement in immigration-related matters. It amends existing law to ensure that local law enforcement can make inquiries about immigration status, notify federal authorities about individuals' presence, and comply with federal information requests. The bill also clarifies the authority of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers by establishing specific criteria for probable cause in issuing detainers, such as matching biometric data, ongoing removal proceedings, or previous removal orders. Additionally, the bill provides legal protection for state and local entities that comply with ICE detainers, making the federal government the defendant in any civil actions arising from such compliance, except in cases of bad faith or mistreatment. The legislation emphasizes federal primacy in immigration enforcement and seeks to remove barriers that might prevent local jurisdictions from fully cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/864/all-info