Bills/S. 72

Justice for Jocelyn Act

Justice for Jocelyn Act

In CommitteeImmigrationSenateSenate Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · Senate
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

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 facing removal to be released while their cases are processed. If passed, the bill would only allow such releases when all detention facilities are completely full and no other options exist. It would also require all immigrants on ICE's non-detained case list to wear GPS monitors and follow strict curfews, and it would allow immigrants to be deported without appearing in court if they violate release conditions. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects non-U.S. citizens currently in immigration proceedings who are awaiting removal decisions.

It would also impact ICE operations and immigration court procedures. The bill appears to be named after a specific case, suggesting it was prompted by concerns about public safety or compliance issues involving released immigrants. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Like most bills, it would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President to become law.

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.

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Latest Action

January 13, 2025

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

R
Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
R-TX · Senate
6 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
January 13, 2025
Last Updated
January 13, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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