HELD Act

This legislation, titled the Help Ensure Legal Detainers (HELD) Act, proposes to deny federal funding to any state or political subdivision that has policies impeding local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration detainers. Specifically, it targets jurisdictions that prevent timely responses to immigration notices requesting information about aliens in custody, such as their estimated release date. The bill also applies to jurisdictions that hinder law enforcement from maintaining custody of an alien for up to 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) pursuant to an immigration detainer issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security. This measure aims to facilitate the transfer of aliens to federal custody for determination of detention, removal proceedings, or release. Furthermore, it allows eligible political subdivisions within an ineligible state to directly apply for federal funds.