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Congressman Michael Guest on the Introduction of the Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) Act
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael Guest, the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced the Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) Act to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify state and local law enforcement agencies and government authorities of an impending release of migrants into their jurisdictions.
“The Biden – Harris Administration has been releasing migrants into local communities without warning. The lack of communication can overwhelm law enforcement agents and public servants. As we continue to deal with a crisis on our border, an alert system like the one EMAP would establish is imperative,” said Congressman Guest.
The EMAP Act would fill the communication gap by requiring ICE and CBP to develop an alert system where State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial government authorities can receive information regarding the impending release of migrants. EMAP is designed to protect the identities of such persons and to alleviate privacy concerns from state and local government officials. Early notification to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial municipalities would assist local communities in preparing for the arrival of migrants.
The EMAP Act would require ICE and CBP to create an email subscription system to alert authorities 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.
Given that migrants in ICE custody are released by court order, ICE does not have the ability to control when and where migrants are released. However, ICE and CBP are best positioned to provide advance notice to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial municipalities. EMAP allows better communication across local, state, territorial, and federal officials.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our communities starts with better coordination and transparency,” Ezell said. “The Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) will provide real-time information sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively. This bill will equip law enforcement with timely and comprehensive data, enabling them to proactively address public safety concerns and ensure better coordination in responding to illegal immigration activity. I’m proud to join Reps. Guest, D’Esposito, and Higgins on this vital legislation to help address the border crisis that continues to plague every state – not just border states.”
“The Biden-Harris administration’s self-inflicted border crisis has left every state vulnerable,” said Congressman Higgins. “Over the course of the past four years, every state has become a border state. This invasion has put unnecessary strains on state and local law enforcement across the nation. This common-sense legislation establishes better communication channels for ICE and CBP to alert state and local law enforcement of the impending arrival of illegal aliens. I’m honored to join my colleague Congressman Guest on this critical legislation.”
“Because of the Biden-Harris Administration, every state is a border state,” Guest continued. “The strain of the border crisis is felt across America in local towns and cities that are often unprepared for an influx of migrants in their communities. The strain has been felt in my district in Mississippi, and I’ve talked to both federal, state, and local lawmakers across the country who have seen the same problems in their communities. We cannot allow this to continue. This legislation would establish better communication channels between local and federal officials so that communities across our nation know who is coming and when they will arrive.”
Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi’s Third Congressional District. Currently serving his third term, Congressman Guest serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Ethics. He is also a member of the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security.
