Homeland Security Improvement Act

Bill: 117-hr-3557
Sponsor: Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
Introduced: 2021-05-28 in the House
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Border security and unlawful immigration
Child safety and welfare
Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Department of Homeland Security
Employee performance
Employment and training programs
Evidence and witnesses
Executive agency funding and structure
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Immigrant health and welfare
Immigration status and procedures
Law enforcement administration and funding
Law enforcement officers
Photography and imaging
Specialized courts
Technology assessment

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: 

Homeland Security Improvement Act

 
This bill establishes various bodies and policies related to border security operations. It also limits when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may separate a child from a parent or legal guardian.
 
The bill establishes the independent DHS Border Oversight Commission. The commission's duties shall include recommending policies to protect civil rights and improve the safety of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
 
The bill establishes the Office of the Ombudsman for Border and Immigration Related Concerns. The office shall independently receive and resolve complaints and requests for assistance regarding border security and immigration activities. The office shall have the power to provide redress, including immigration relief and monetary damages. 
 
The bill establishes the Border Community Liaison Office. The office's duties include consulting with communities in sectors on the northern and southern borders when developing policies and programs.
 
DHS must ensure CBP officers receive continual education and training each year on topics including interaction with vulnerable populations and professional conduct standards. 
 
The bill imposes data collection requirements on law enforcement officials conducting border and immigration-related stops and searches. 
 
A child may not be removed from a parent or legal guardian at or near a port of entry or within 100 miles of the border except in certain instances, such as when a court determines that removal of the child is in the child's best interests.
 
The bill requires various reports, including a Government Accountability Office report on the use of force by CBP and ICE.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-11-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
action_date: 2021-05-31
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations.
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: Introduced in House