Rep. Mace unveils House bill to give grant preference to agencies partnering on immigration enforcement

Legislation introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace in the U.S. House seeks to encourage state and local agencies to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, the U.S. Congress reports.

Designated as H.R.8015, the bill was filed on March 19, 2026, during the 119th Congress’s regular session. The analysis provided below reflects the official bill language and explains key elements for clarification.

The proposal would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to give priority to certain grant applicants that have established section 287(g) agreements with the Department of Homeland Security. This means law enforcement agencies from states or local jurisdictions with formal partnerships for immigration enforcement would receive preferential consideration for grants. The legislation is designed to boost cooperation between federal, state and local agencies on immigration issues. The measure seeks to strengthen overall collaboration in immigration enforcement.

Rep. Nancy Mace (Republican-SC-1st District) was the sole sponsor of the bill.

During the current congressional session, Rep. Mace has filed 69 additional bills.

Congressional bills may be introduced in either the House of Representatives or Senate, except for revenue bills, which must begin in the House. Once introduced, a bill is directed to committees for examination, hearings and possible amendments before reaching a vote in both chambers. If the House and Senate pass the same bill text, it moves to the president for approval or veto. Each congressional term lasts two years and is divided into annual sessions. The legislative process and records of bills are maintained by the U.S. Congress on Congress.gov.

Nancy Mace represents South Carolina and has served in the 117th, 118th and 119th Congresses since Jan. 3, 2021. Previously, she served in the South Carolina state house from 2018 through 2020 and ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2014.

Mace earned a B.A. from The Citadel in 1999 and an M.S. from the University of Georgia in 2004. Her earlier education includes Trident Technical College and Stratford High School, graduating in 1995.