Rep. LaTurner Joins Legislation to Alert Localities of Migrant Releases as Immigration Surge Looms

Statement

Today, Congressman Jake LaTurner (R-KS) joined Congressman Michael Guest (R-MS) in introducing the Early Migration Alert Program (E-MAP) Act. This legislation would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify local law enforcement agencies and local government authorities of an impending release of migrants into their jurisdictions. The legislation was introduced days after the Biden administration announced its plans to terminate Title 42, which many officials warn will significantly increase the already record-setting number of migrant encounters on the southern border.

"The Biden Administration continues to release migrants into communities across America without notifying local police officers or social services agencies. This is unacceptable," said Rep. LaTurner. "As the Department of Homeland Security prepares for up to 18,000 apprehensions per day following President Biden's reckless decision to lift Title 42, it's vital that local law enforcement is kept informed of any influx of migrants into their jurisdictions. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the E-MAP Act to help establish proper communication channels between our brave federal and local law enforcement officers."

Background:

Currently, there is no requirement for ICE or CBP to alert local police officers or social services agencies of a potential influx of migrants into their communities. Already this fiscal year, there have been record-breaking monthly encounters that are expected to continue at an overwhelming pace. Last year, encounters at the southern border peaked at a startling 213,539 encounters in July-- a 21-year high and 420 percent increase compared to July 2020. During last year's immigration surge, migrants dropped off at bus stations inundated local communities and put a significant burden on public resources. Current encounters at the border are already outpacing last year's record-setting monthly numbers.

The E-MAP Act would require ICE and CBP to create an email subscription system to alert State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial municipalities and provide information regarding the impending release of migrants into local communities, including the:

* Number of migrants to be released

* Number of migrants with known criminal histories

* Initial destination of the migrants

* Final destinations and where they intend to settle

The legislation would require ICE and CBP to give municipalities at least a 24-hour notice before releasing an alien into the United States.

The E-MAP Act is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA).

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Source