This bill impacts state laws related to immigration enforcement and the management of non-detained individuals. By mandating GPS monitoring and strict compliance criteria, HB9015 places substantial responsibility on ICE and the judicial system to track and manage the movements of non-citizens. Proponents argue that this could lead to improved compliance rates for court appearances and reduce the number of absconders in immigration cases. Critics, however, may view this as an infringement on personal freedoms and civil rights, sparking significant debates about the balance between immigration enforcement and individual liberties.
Summary
House Bill 9015, titled the 'Justice for Jocelyn Act', seeks to enhance the enforcement of immigration laws by implementing strict compliance measures for individuals awaiting their immigration proceedings. The bill mandates that all individuals on the nondetained docket of an immigration court are to be enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, which requires continuous GPS monitoring throughout their proceedings. Additionally, these individuals must adhere to curfews, staying at home between certain hours, which aims to ensure that they are present for their hearings and comply with legal proceedings.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB9015 include concerns about privacy rights associated with GPS tracking and the ethical implications of enforcing curfews on individuals who may be seeking asylum or other forms of relief. Opponents argue that the bill could exacerbate vulnerabilities for those involved in the immigration process, adding stress and unpredictability to their already challenging circumstances. Additionally, the potential for increased removal of individuals who do not comply with release orders raises alarms about due process and fairness in the immigration system.
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.