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119-s-72119th Congress

Justice for Jocelyn Act

Sponsored By: Senator Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Introduced

Summary

Limits Alternatives to Detention by blocking most releases into ICE’s Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program unless detention beds are full, no detention option exists, and DHS has exhausted all reasonable efforts. The bill would also require everyone on ICE’s nondetained docket to be enrolled in ATD, continuously tracked by GPS, and subject to a nightly 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew.

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  • Non-U.S. nationals on the nondetained docket: Must be enrolled in ATD, remain continuously GPS-monitored for the duration of proceedings and any appeals, and stay at their ATD-compliant address between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
  • ICE and DHS operations: Would bar release into ATD unless all detention beds available to the Secretary are filled, no detention option exists, and the Secretary has exercised and exhausted all reasonable efforts to detain the individual.
  • Immigration courts and removals: Adds a new basis for removal in absentia where an immigration officer files an affidavit saying an individual failed to comply with a condition of release, triggering an in-absentia order.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New GPS and removal rules for noncitizens

If enacted, and you are on ICE's nondetained docket, you would need to enroll in an Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. You would be under continuous GPS monitoring during your immigration case and any appeals, and until removal if you are ordered removed. You would have to stay at your ATD-approved home address between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. You could not be released into an ATD program unless all detention beds available to the Secretary of Homeland Security are filled, there is no available option to hold you in detention, and the Secretary has exercised and exhausted all reasonable efforts to detain you. If an immigration officer files a written affidavit saying you failed to follow a condition of release under INA section 236(a), the immigration judge would have to order you removed in absentia.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 1/13/2025

  • Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

    LA • R

    Sponsored 1/13/2025

  • Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 1/13/2025

  • Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 1/13/2025

  • Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 1/13/2025

  • Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 1/13/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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