Congressman Jodey Arrington, who represents Texas’ 19th Congressional District that includes Lubbock and much of West Texas, has introduced new legislation aimed at protecting federal immigration officers from interference by state and local governments. The bill, known as the Safeguarding Homeland Immigration Enforcement from Local Detention (SHIELD) Act, was formally introduced in Washington, D.C.
According to Arrington, who serves as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, the legislation responds to increasingly aggressive rhetoric and actions from far-left state and local officials who have threatened to arrest or prosecute federal immigration agents for enforcing federal law.
What the SHIELD Act Would Do
Under the SHIELD Act, any state or local jurisdiction that arrests, detains, prosecutes, or otherwise obstructs a federal immigration officer would immediately lose all federal funding for that fiscal year. The bill applies after a single incident and includes all forms of federal assistance, such as grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
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The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, would determine whether a jurisdiction violated the law. Funding could only be restored if the jurisdiction ceases the conduct and provides written assurances that it will not happen again. The law would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Arrington: Rule of Law at Stake
Arrington said the legislation is about protecting the constitutional order and ensuring federal officers can do their jobs without intimidation.
Arrington said via press release:
Any state or local leader who arrests federal agents for enforcing immigration law are abandoning the heart of constitutional order. The SHIELD Act stands up for the rule of law and ensures that jurisdictions cannot obstruct immigration enforcement for political reasons.
For communities across West Texas, immigration enforcement and border security remain top concerns, particularly as federal resources and policies continue to be debated nationwide.
Support From Lawmakers Nationwide
The SHIELD Act has drawn support from several members of Congress across the country. Representatives from Tennessee, New York, Georgia, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Texas have co-sponsored or publicly backed the bill, arguing that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility that should not be undermined by local politics.
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Supporters say the bill protects Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents who say they face growing risks while carrying out their duties. They also argue that tying federal funding to compliance sends a clear message to jurisdictions considering resistance to federal law.
Why It Matters to West Texas
As a region represented by Arrington, Lubbock and surrounding communities often see border security as directly tied to public safety, economic stability, and respect for the rule of law. While the SHIELD Act will be debated in Congress, Arrington’s move signals that immigration enforcement will remain a central issue for TX-19.
The bill now awaits committee consideration and further legislative action.
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