Pielli introduces bill preventing use of state dollars for federal immigration enforcement
Rep. Chris Pielli January 8, 2026 | 4:25 PM
WEST CHESTER, Jan. 8 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, along with several colleagues, introduced a bill today that would prohibit law enforcement agencies from using state-appropriated funds to enforce federal immigration laws. The legislation would also codify the Pennsylvania State Police’s policy of limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Pielli noted that agreements with the federal government, known as 287(g) agreements, have often proven counterproductive to community safety. The Pennsylvania State Police adopted its own limited-cooperation policy in 2019.
“As state lawmakers, we have a responsibility to protect Pennsylvanians from illegal and violent government overreach -- just as our founding leaders did more than two centuries ago,” Pielli said. “Previous legislation I sponsored, including H.B. 1968, which holds ICE accountable for unlawful search and seizure practices, and H.B. 1880, the Officer Visibility Act, are important steps. Yet, as this administration continues to put lives at risk and traumatize communities, it is clear that more action is needed.
“Law enforcement should be empowered to address local concerns and protect residents -- not diverted into roles that undermine public trust. These issues are real and urgent. Just yesterday, Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother, was shot and killed by ICE during an operation. ICE has shifted from overstepping fundamental American rights to carrying out misguided and lethal paramilitary operations against our own citizens.
“The Trump administration’s rapid expansion of ICE has eroded public trust in law enforcement and threatened our freedoms and rights. Without decisive action to protect these rights, the situation will only worsen.
“I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure taxpayer dollars strengthen public safety, rebuild trust, and uphold the rule of law by prohibiting state funds from being used for federal immigration enforcement.”
The bill is currently awaiting committee assignment in the state House.