Moody rolls out bill to allow states to assist in immigration enforcement amid violent LA anti-ICE riots

Florida Senator Ashley Moody has introduced a groundbreaking measure that aims to enhance immigration enforcement by allowing non-federal law enforcement officers to collaborate with federal immigration officers. The bill, known as “The Reimbursement Immigration Partnerships with Police to Allow Local Law Enforcement Act,” or the “RIPPLE Act,” is an extension of the existing 287(g) program that permits states to assist in immigration enforcement.

This legislation would expand the range of reimbursable expenses available to state and local law enforcement agencies participating in the 287(g) program. By enabling non-federal law enforcement agencies to contribute sworn officers to immigration enforcement, the bill aims to act as a “force multiplier” for federal immigration enforcement, particularly during times when hiring, training, and on-boarding new federal officers is a lengthy process.

Senator Moody emphasized the importance of expanding the 287(g) program to provide resources to state law enforcement agencies to effectively remove dangerous criminals from communities. She highlighted the chaos and disorder spreading through California and stressed the need to equip local, state, and federal law enforcement with the necessary resources to hold lawbreakers accountable.

In response to the escalating unrest in Los Angeles, Representative Laurel Lee introduced a companion legislation in the House of Representatives to support the efforts of local law enforcement officers in enforcing immigration laws. The bill aims to cover overtime pay and key personnel costs, ensuring that law enforcement agencies can collaborate effectively to maintain law and order and uphold immigration regulations across the nation.

The introduction of these legislative measures comes at a critical time when violent riots in Los Angeles have erupted in response to immigration enforcement efforts. President Trump has deployed National Guardsmen and women as well as Marine officers to assist in protecting federal buildings and law enforcement authorities.

In addition to the RIPPLE Act, Senator Moody also introduced the “Stop Government Abandonment and Placement Scandals Act,” or the “Stop GAPS” Act, which seeks to address the issue of unaccompanied children placed with any adult or entity seeking custody by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). This legislation would require ORR to work with states to find suitable homes and placements for minors and track their whereabouts throughout their stay in the U.S. during ongoing immigration proceedings.

Moody’s office highlighted the Biden administration’s failure to track tens of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children, many of whom were placed in precarious situations. The Senator emphasized the importance of safeguarding the nation’s immigration and national security structures and preventing the trafficking of minors.

Overall, Senator Ashley Moody’s legislative efforts underscore the significance of collaboration between state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in effectively enforcing immigration laws and ensuring the safety and security of communities across the United States.