RECOUP Act of 2026 (H.R. 8223)

Summary

Requires the Department of Homeland Security to repay state and local first responders for costs when they help with federal immigration enforcement.

What problem does this solve?

State and local first responders often use their own resources to help federal immigration agencies, which can strain their budgets. This bill makes the Department of Homeland Security pay back these local agencies for their time and costs.

What does this bill do?

Mandates reimbursement for local first responders

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to pay back state and local first responder agencies for the costs of helping ICE or CBP with immigration enforcement.

Specifies funding source for reimbursements

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to use existing, unspent funds from ICE and CBP to make the payments. The funds are available until January 20, 2029.

Establishes a process for reimbursement

Outlines how local agencies can get paid back. Federal officers can collect the information on site, or the local agency can send a request. Payments must be made within 30 days.

Protects first responder privacy

Prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from releasing any personal information of first responders collected under this act, unless required by a court order.

Who does this affect?

State and local first responders
Federal immigration agencies (ICE and CBP)

What is the real world impact?

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Reduces financial burden on local governments

Ensures that state and local police and fire departments are not forced to pay out of their own budgets when they are asked to help federal immigration agents.

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Protects the privacy of first responders

Includes a rule that stops the Department of Homeland Security from sharing the personal information of first responders involved in these operations, except with a court order.

When does this start?

The rules in this bill would take effect as soon as it is signed into law, and it sets several deadlines for action.

Reimbursement payment deadline

The Secretary of Homeland Security must pay back a local agency within 30 days of receiving the necessary cost information.

Funding availability

The money set aside for these reimbursements is available for use until January 20, 2029.