A bill to amend chapter 93 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit obstruction of immigration laws by official interference.

Local officials face penalties for obstructing immigration

If enacted, this bill would create a new federal crime for state or local officers, employees, or contractors who knowingly adopt or enforce policies meant to impede federal immigration laws. Prohibited acts would include blocking federal officers from nonsecure detention areas, hiding or altering immigration records, releasing someone without giving DHS at least 48 hours' notice, and refusing DHS detainer or advance‑notice requests. The bill would define key words by referring to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Penalties would be tiered: fines and up to life in prison if a later release causes death, up to 20 years for serious bodily injury, and up to 10 years for other violations. The rules would take effect upon enactment.