DHS Extends Border Mass-Influx Finding for 180 Days and Asks States for Help

The Department of Homeland Security published a notice on Sept. 21, 2026, extending the Secretary of Homeland Security’s "Finding of Mass Influx of Aliens" for 180 days. The notice is Federal Register document 2026-19253 (91 FR 59795), Docket DHS-2025-0008.

What the notice says

The Secretary finds that circumstances involving the administration of the immigration laws endanger the lives, property, safety or welfare of residents of all 50 states, and that an actual or imminent mass influx of aliens is arriving at the southern border. The notice requests the assistance of state and local governments in all 50 states. The finding is effective immediately and expires in 180 days (about March 20, 2027), unless ended sooner by a later published finding.

Background

This is the latest extension of a finding first issued in January 2025 and extended in March 2025, September 2025 and March 2026. The prior extension ran through Sept. 17, 2026.

What the finding does

Under 8 U.S.C. 1103(a) and 28 CFR 65.83, a finding like this is the legal basis that lets the Secretary request help from state and local governments, including authorizing state or local law enforcement officers, with the consent of their superiors, to perform duties of immigration officers. The notice states that a federal court decision limiting direct repatriation under INA 212(f) remains in effect, so DHS must process apprehended aliens for expedited removal under 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1).

What it does not do

The notice is an authority and coordination document. It does not, by itself, change an individual’s case deadlines, filing dates or immigration status. Litigation over related border policies continues, so check for court updates.

Sources

Federal Register, "Finding of Mass Influx of Aliens," 91 FR 59795, published Sept. 21, 2026: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/21/2026-19253/finding-of-mass-influx-of-aliens

General information, not legal advice. For case-specific advice, consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.