Skip to main content
Image
Front view of the Capitol

Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Alert Localities of Migrant Releases as Immigration Surge Looms

April 7, 2022

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, April 7th, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined Rep. Michael Guest (MS-03) to introduce 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 jurisdiction.

“The number of migrants crossing our borders in recent years has overwhelmed law enforcement at every level. The E-MAP Act will provide state and local agencies the necessary information they need on who is coming into their communities” said Miller-Meeks. “Critical rules like Title 42 should not be rescinded until more transparency and communication between local and federal officials are crucial as we prepare for yet another surge of migrants entering our country”

“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. When migrants are released without warning, the lack of communication can overwhelm law enforcement agents and public services and create desperate situations for migrants who find themselves in an unknown town with no direction,” said Guest. “As we prepare for another surge of migrants on the border, an alert system like the one E-MAP would establish is imperative. The Biden administration cannot be allowed to continue dropping off migrants in towns across America at all times of the day and night without notice.”

To read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.

Background:

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.

This fiscal year, there have been record-breaking monthly encounters at the border 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 migrants into the United States.

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

###