34 states grade F. If you’re in one, this is your roadmap.
Step 1: Pick one standard. Start with Standard 4 (state doesn’t pay for federal enforcement). Fiscal arguments work across party lines. “Should my tax dollars fund federal operations without oversight?” is a question every legislator must answer.
Step 2: Find a competitive district. Look for state legislators in swing districts who need moderate voters. They’re most likely to break ranks on a fiscal argument.
Step 3: Build the fiscal case. FOIA your county’s 287(g) costs. Document what local law enforcement spends on federal cooperation. See the FOIA template in Research & Records.
Step 4: Make first contact. Use the Draft Bank for language that worked in similar states. Keep it short, local, and fiscal.
Step 5: Report back. Post in the Response Tracker. Every data point helps the next person.
Who has done this? Share your experience below.