S. 72 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jan 13, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryStricter rules for ICE supervision of non-citizens
This bill limits when ICE can release non-citizens subject to removal from DHS custody without intensive supervision. Under the bill, such releases would only be allowed when detention facilities are completely full and no other alternatives exist. Non-citizens released would be required to enroll in ICE's monitoring program, wear GPS devices, and follow a curfew. Additionally, a non-citizen who is arrested and released but fails to follow the terms of their release could be removed from the country even if they don't appear for their immigration hearing.
How it affects you
This primarily affects non-citizens currently in or at risk of entering the immigration system. The bill makes release from federal immigration custody harder to obtain and adds stricter monitoring requirements for those who are released. For everyone else, the official summary doesn't describe direct effects on the general public.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Jan 13, 2025)
Justice for Jocelyn Act
This 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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 72
A BILL
Justice for Jocelyn Act
Sponsor: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) · Introduced Jan 13, 2025 · Immigration · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jan 13, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.”