Bill · S. 3744· Senate(119-S-3744)
A bill to amend chapter 93 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit obstruction of immigration laws by official interference.
- Introduced
- 1/29/2026
- Last activity
- 1/29/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Lindsey Graham
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes to amend title 18 of the United States Code to include a new section regarding the obstruction of immigration laws by official interference. It seeks to prohibit state or local government officers, employees, or contractors acting under color of law from implementing policies that impede federal immigration enforcement. The bill defines several specific prohibited conducts, such as restricting federal access to detention facilities or withholding information regarding immigration status. It also establishes specific penalties for those who violate these provisions. Penalties range from fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years to life in prison, depending on the outcome of the violation.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+8
The bill significantly increases federal authority by criminalizing state and local policies that impede federal immigration enforcement.
Does this tighten control of the border?+7
The bill strengthens federal immigration enforcement by prohibiting local interference and requiring notice for the release of detainees.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-8
The bill restricts the ability of state and local governments to implement their own immigration and detention policies.
Would immigrants be better off under this?-7
The bill facilitates easier access for federal authorities to apprehend and detain immigrants through mandatory notice and cooperation requirements.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?-5
The bill increases the likelihood of apprehension and removal for immigrants, which may disproportionately affect Hispanic communities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Federal Access to Detention Facilities: The bill prohibits restrictions that prevent federal officials from entering nonsecure areas of state or local detention facilities to interview or apprehend individuals subject to removal (Section 1(b)(1)).
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Prevention of Concealment: It prohibits the concealment, harboring, or shielding of individuals subject to arrest or removal proceedings, including the destruction of related records (Section 1(b)(2)).
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Improved Notification for Custody Transfers: The bill mandates that local authorities cannot facilitate the release of an individual without providing federal authorities at least 48 hours notice (Section 1(b)(3) and Section 1(b)(5)).
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Enhanced Cooperation and Information Sharing: It prohibits restrictions on agencies cooperating with federal authorities or exchanging information regarding immigration status (Section 1(b)(4)).
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Increased Accountability for Serious Outcomes: The bill establishes strict penalties for officials if a violation leads to the release of an individual who subsequently causes death or serious bodily injury (Section 1(c)(1) and Section 1(c)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Local Government Policy: State or local government employees and contractors are prohibited from adopting or enforcing certain laws, regulations, or practices that currently exist (Section 1(b)).
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Mandatory Compliance with Federal Requests: The bill prohibits local agencies from restricting compliance with requests made by the Department of Homeland Security (Section 1(b)(5) and Section 1(b)(6)).
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Severe Criminal Penalties for Officials: State or local employees face significant prison sentences—including up to 10 years, 20 years, or life—depending on the circumstances of a violation (Section 1(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-7Good For Hispanic Americans-5Good For Low Income Households-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+7Improves Pathway To Citizenship-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+8Increase States Rights-8
- 1/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate