HELD Act

House Votes

This bill would block federal funds from going to any state or local government that has a rule stopping police or sheriffs from working with federal immigration officers on detainers. It requires local agencies to share release info when asked and to hold someone for up to 48 hours (not counting weekends and holidays) so federal officers can take custody. If a state loses funds under this rule, a city or county within that state could still apply to get its share directly. The short title is the Help Ensure Legal Detainers (HELD) Act.

Key points

• Who is affected: States, cities, and counties; local law enforcement; people in local custody with federal immigration detainers.
• What changes: Federal funding is cut off for governments that block cooperation on immigration detainers; locals must respond to federal notices and may hold someone up to 48 hours so transfer can happen; eligible localities can apply directly if their state is ineligible.
• When: Applies to fiscal years that start after the bill becomes law.