Graham, Blackburn bill offers cash incentives to blue states that partner with ICE

Graham said in a statement to Fox News Digital, "While sanctuary states and cities obstruct ICE, this legislation rewards law enforcement agencies who work with the federal government to keep our communities safe."

"No more excuses. When it comes to combating illegal immigration, local law enforcement has the legal authority and, if they choose, the means to go after criminal illegals in their communities," Graham said. "Our bill expands that opportunity."

The duo's 287(g) Expansion Act is a two-pronged effort. On its surface, the legislation is designed to lock in ICE agreements with local law enforcement agencies across all 50 states in exchange for boosted grant funding that would support personnel, equipment, supplies and training, among other perks for local police.

"State and local law enforcement should be doing everything in their power to partner with the federal government to enforce the rule of law in our communities following the Biden Border Crisis," Blackburn said.

So far, 39 states have at least one local government or jurisdiction with an agreement with federal immigration enforcement in place.

That's where the sweetener in Graham and Blackburn's bill comes in.

Jurisdictions that enter into 287(g) agreements would get a funding boost through the Byrne Memorial JAG program, which already acts as the primary federal funding stream for state and local law enforcement.

The bill would set aside $20 million a year through 2033 to help boost federal grants, and Graham and Blackburn are eyeing the forthcoming budget reconciliation process as the ideal vehicle to get the legislation passed.

Republicans are embarking on that partisan journey as the DHS shutdown continues, which was spurred 74 days ago when Democrats refused to fund the agency without stringent reforms to immigration operations in the country.