Justice for Jocelyn Act
Justice for Jocelyn Act
Plain Language Summary
# Justice for Jocelyn Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The Justice for Jocelyn Act would significantly restrict ICE's Alternatives to Detention program, which currently allows some immigrants awaiting removal proceedings to be released under supervision rather than held in custody. If passed, the bill would only permit such releases when all detention facilities are completely full and no other options remain. It would also require all people on ICE's "nondetained docket" (those not in custody) to wear GPS monitors and follow curfews. Additionally, immigrants who fail to comply with release conditions could be deported without appearing in person before an immigration judge. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects non-U.S.
citizens in removal proceedings—those facing potential deportation. It also impacts ICE operations and detention facility management. The bill is named after Jocelyn Nungaray, a Texas child whose death in 2024 was allegedly committed by someone in the country illegally. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 355, 119th Congress) and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Justice for Jocelyn ActThis bill limits Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE’s) Alternatives to Detention program, which supervises non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) subject to removal who are released from the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifically, releases under this program are prohibited unless all detention beds are filled and DHS found no alternatives after exercising and exhausting all reasonable options.The bill requires all individuals on ICE’s nondetained docket to be enrolled in the program and be subject to continuous GPS monitoring and curfew.Further, the bill requires a non-U.S. national who was arrested and released to be removed in absentia if an immigration officer submits an affidavit to an immigration judge stating that the individual failed to comply with a condition of release.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.