GOP revives illegal immigrant detention bill named after 12-year-old murder victim: ‘Justice for Jocelyn’

Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate are pushing to reintroduce a bill that would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) beds to be filled before illegal immigrants are released from custody. The bill, named the “Justice for Jocelyn Act,” is in memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was tragically murdered by two illegal immigrants last year.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Representative Troy Nehls, also from Texas, are leading the charge on this legislation. The bill mandates that every ICE detention bed must be occupied before any illegal immigrants can be released into the interior of the country. Additionally, if all beds are filled, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be required to explore alternative measures such as enrolling migrants in continuous GPS monitoring through ankle bracelets or similar devices.

The tragic death of Jocelyn Nungaray at the hands of two illegal immigrants underscores the urgency of this bill. Both perpetrators were in the country illegally and had been released on an order of recognizance pending their immigration court hearings. Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of preventing similar tragedies by holding ICE and Border Patrol accountable and ensuring that criminals do not go free due to lax immigration policies.

Representative Nehls echoed Senator Cruz’s sentiments, stating that Jocelyn’s death was preventable and that the Justice for Jocelyn Act prioritizes the safety of American citizens. The bill seeks to enhance the detention and tracking of illegal aliens released into the United States, putting the well-being of the American people first.

In addition to the Justice for Jocelyn Act, other bills targeting illegal immigration are making their way through Congress. The House recently passed the Laken Riley Act, which focuses on detaining illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. Similarly, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa reintroduced “Sarah’s Law,” which would mandate the detention of illegal immigrants charged with murder.

As the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office, there is anticipation of a significant crackdown on illegal immigration with the support of Republicans in Congress. These legislative efforts aim to address the loopholes in immigration enforcement and ensure that individuals who pose a threat to public safety are held accountable.

Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers immigration and border security issues. For more information, you can contact Adam at adam.shaw2@fox.com or follow him on Twitter.