SLAP Act of 2018

To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide penalties for certain obstructions of the enforcement of Federal immigration laws, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians Act of 2018 SLAP Act of 2018 2. Certain obstructions of enforcement of immigration laws (a) Offense Chapter 73 1522. Certain obstructions of enforcement of immigration laws Whoever, being a State or local official having custody of an individual, knowingly releases an alien subject to a detainer issued pursuant to section 287(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1357(d)(1) . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is amended by adding at the end the following: 1522. Certain obstructions of enforcement of immigration laws. . 3. Ensuring that local and Federal law enforcement officers may cooperate to safeguard our communities (a) Authority To cooperate with Federal officials A State, a political subdivision of a State, or an officer, employee, or agent of such State or political subdivision that complies with a detainer issued by the Department of Homeland Security under section 236 or 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1226 (1) shall be deemed to be acting as an agent of the Department of Homeland Security; and (2) with regard to actions taken to comply with the detainer, shall have all authority available to officers and employees of the Department of Homeland Security. (b) Legal proceedings In any legal proceeding brought against a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an officer, employee, or agent of such State or political subdivision, which challenges the legality of the seizure or detention of an individual pursuant to a detainer issued by the Department of Homeland Security under section 236 or 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1226 (1) no liability shall lie against the State or political subdivision of a State for actions taken in compliance with the detainer; and (2) if the actions of the officer, employee, or agent of the State or political subdivision were taken in compliance with the detainer— (A) the officer, employee, or agent shall be deemed— (i) to be an employee of the Federal Government and an investigative or law enforcement officer; and (ii) to have been acting within the scope of his or her employment under section 1346(b) and chapter 171 (B) section 1346(b) of title 28, United States Code, shall provide the exclusive remedy for the plaintiff; and (C) the United States shall be substituted as defendant in the proceeding. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to provide immunity to any person who knowingly violates the civil or constitutional rights of an individual.

Summary: Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians Act of 2018 or the SLAP Act of 2018 This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime for a state or local official to knowingly release from custody an individual who is an alien subject to a detainer. It imposes criminal penalties&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both&#8212;on a violator. A state or political subdivision that complies with a detainer is deemed to be an agent of the Department of Homeland Security and is authorized to take actions to comply with the detainer. The bill limits the liability of a state or political subdivision, or an officer or employee of such state or political subdivision, for actions in compliance with the detainer.