Frequently Asked Questions

What we do, how it works, and why it matters.

About the Project

What is FederalLimits.org?

A civic tool that helps citizens contact their representatives about due-process safeguards. Enter your ZIP code, select your concerns, and we generate a ready-to-send message with specific policy asks for each level of government.

Who runs this?

FederalLimits.org is a New Mexico nonprofit (501(c)(4) recognition pending). We build tools that work for anyone who believes in limits on federal authority — and we hold officials accountable when they vote against the protections their own districts asked for.

Is this a limited-cooperation or "states' rights" thing?

It's a due-process thing. What we advocate for is straightforward: states enforcing their own laws, requiring judicial warrants before cooperation with federal civil enforcement, and protecting state resources from unfunded federal mandates. That's federalism — the same principle that protects everyone regardless of where they stand politically.

What's your political agenda?

Due process. That's it. The same protections should apply to everyone, enforced through proper legal channels with judicial oversight. Left and right both have reasons to support limits on federal overreach — we build infrastructure that serves both.

How It Works

How does the rep lookup work?

Enter your ZIP code and we identify your representatives at every level: federal (senators, representative), state (governor, AG, legislators), and local (mayor, city council). We use Geocodio's API with official government data sources.

What if my ZIP code covers multiple districts?

We'll ask for your street address to pinpoint your exact districts. Your address is used only for the lookup — we don't store it.

Do you actually send the messages?

No. We generate the message and show you official contact channels. You copy the message and send it yourself through the rep's contact form, email, or phone. This keeps you in control and ensures your message comes from your own email.

Why don't you just send it automatically?

Three reasons: (1) Representatives respond better to messages that come directly from constituents, (2) you should own your communication with your elected officials, and (3) we don't want to store your email or pretend to be you.

What's in the generated message?

Specific policy asks tailored to each recipient. A state legislator gets different asks than a US Senator. A governor gets different asks than a city mayor. Each message includes concrete actions they can take at their level of authority.

The State Benchmark

How do you grade states?

We evaluate states on 9 Cooperation Standards, each scored 0–2 (0 = no protection, 1 = partial, 2 = strong) for a maximum of 18 points. The 9 Standards are:

  • Personnel & Resource Limits
  • Cooperation Contract Prohibitions (bans 287(g) agreements)
  • Sensitive Location Protections
  • Private Detention Restrictions
  • Information Firewalls
  • Warrant Requirement (judicial warrant, not an administrative detainer)
  • Documentation Transparency
  • Enforcement & Remedies
  • Federal Agent Identification & Recording

States are graded A through F based on total score:

GradeScoreStatus
A15–18Strong protections
B12–14Good foundation, room to improve
C8–11Moderate protections
D4–7Weak protections
F0–3Minimal or no protections

FL grades all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. The current national average is 3.27 out of 18. Thirty-six jurisdictions grade F.

Where does the data come from?

Primary sources: state statutes, executive orders, attorney general opinions, and official policy documents. We cite everything. If you find an error, let us know.

My state got a bad grade. Now what?

That's why the tool exists. Use it to contact your representatives and ask them to support specific safeguards. Change starts with constituent pressure.

Privacy & Security

What data do you collect?

Minimal. We don't require accounts. We don't store your address (used only for real-time lookup). We don't track which messages you send. Newsletter signup is optional and separate.

Do you share data with anyone?

No. We don't sell data, share data with third parties, or use your information for anything other than powering the tool.

Can the government see who uses this?

We can't share what we don't have. No accounts, no stored addresses, no message logs. Your browser talks to our server to get rep data — that's it.

Legal Questions

Is this legal?

Yes. Contacting your representatives is a protected right. Advocating for state policy changes is protected speech. Nothing we help you do is illegal.

Can states really refuse to help the federal government?

Yes. The anti-commandeering doctrine is settled Supreme Court law. New York v. United States (1992) established that Congress cannot compel states to enact or administer a federal program. Printz v. United States (1997) extended that to state law-enforcement officers. Murphy v. NCAA (2018) reaffirmed the principle.

What about federal preemption?

States can't directly regulate federal officers or block lawful federal operations. But they absolutely can control their own resources: who accesses state databases, what state employees help with, which facilities are available for federal use. That's the distinction.

Will this get my state's funding cut?

Historically, states with strong due-process policies have not faced funding cuts. The federal government has limited tools to punish states for exercising their sovereign prerogatives. That said, we recommend states consult their own legal counsel on specific legislation.

Getting Involved

How can I help beyond sending messages?
  • Share the tool — More users means more constituent pressure
  • Donate — We're citizen-funded, every amount helps
  • Volunteer — Coming Soon
  • Spread the word — Talk to neighbors, post on social media
I'm a journalist. Can I write about this?

Please do. Contact us for background, data access, or interviews. Select "Press Inquiry" on the form.

I'm a legislator or staffer. Can we talk?

Absolutely. Reach out through our contact form — we're happy to provide research, model language, or connect you with other states working on similar policies.

Still Have Questions?

General questions, press inquiries, partnerships, volunteer interest — we read everything.

Contact Us