Bill · H.R. 1678· House(119-HR-1678)
Homeland Security Improvement Act
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 2/27/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- Sponsored by
- Veronica Escobar
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Homeland Security Improvement Act aims to increase transparency, accountability, and community engagement within the Department of Homeland Security. It establishes an independent Border Oversight Commission to provide independent oversight of border security activities and develop policy recommendations. The bill also creates an Office of the Ombudsman for Border and Immigration-Related Concerns to investigate complaints and provide redress. Additionally, it mandates enhanced training for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers. The legislation includes provisions for better management of ports of entry and stricter requirements for data collection regarding border stops. Finally, it imposes limitations on the separation of families during immigration enforcement.
Yes· 3 of 17
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill establishes an independent oversight commission and an Ombudsman with mandatory public reporting requirements.
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill prohibits family separation for deterrence and mandates specialized training for handling vulnerable children.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+5
The bill protects against family separation, provides an Ombudsman for redress, and mandates better treatment of vulnerable populations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Independent Oversight: The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security Border Oversight Commission provides independent review of border enforcement policies, strategies, and programs (Section 2(a)(4)).
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Protection of Rights: The Commission is tasked with evaluating policies to protect due process, civil and human rights of border residents and visitors, and private property rights of land owners (Section 2(a)(4)(B)).
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Redress for Complaints: The Office of the Ombudsman is authorized to establish a process to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints, providing potential redress such as immigration relief or monetary damages (Section 3(a)(4)(1)).
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Support for Victims: The Ombudsman is designated to assist individuals and families who have been victims of crimes near the border or impacted by the use of force by the Department (Section s 3(a)(4)(3)).
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Improved Training: The bill mandates specific training for agents and officers regarding community relations, de-escalation tactics, and the protection of civil and human rights (Section 4(b)).
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Protection Against Retaliation: Complainants who file grievances with the Ombudsman are protected from retaliatory action by law enforcement (Section 3(a)(6)(2)).
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Family Unity: The Act prohibits the removal of children from parents or legal guardians solely for the purpose of deterring migration or promoting compliance with immigration laws (Section 8(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for Unintended Separation: While there are restrictions, the bill allows for the removal of children if a state court or child welfare agency determines it is in the child's best interest due to danger of abuse or neglect (Section 8(b)(1)).
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No Immunity for Legal Proceedings: The filing of a complaint with the Ombudsman does not confer immunity or impact any existing removal or criminal proceedings against a complainant (Section s 3(a)(6)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Immigrants+5Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Urban Residents+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+5Improves Border Security+3Improves Racial Equity+2Improves Childcare Affordability+1Improves Disability Rights+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Improves Privacy Rights+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 2/27/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, 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.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.