Bill · H.R. 1821· House(119-HR-1821)
HELD Act
- Introduced
- 3/4/2025
- Last activity
- 3/4/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Ken Calvert
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Help Ensure Legal Detainers Act" or the "HELD Act," aims to withhold Federal funding from States or local government units that implement certain policies. It targets entities that have laws or procedures preventing local law enforcement from responding to immigration notices or maintaining custody of an alien. Specifically, it addresses those that impede the ability to provide information regarding an alien's release date or prevent holding an individual for up to 48 hours following a detainer. The goal is to ensure officials can transfer custody to the Secretary of Homeland Security for further determination.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+6
The bill uses federal funding leverage to mandate local law enforcement compliance with federal immigration procedures.
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill enhances federal oversight and facilitates the transfer of custody of individuals to federal authorities.
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?+2
The bill increases the level of federal information sharing and custody management within local jurisdictions.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would immigrants be better off under this?-6
The bill facilitates easier transfer of custody to federal authorities for removal proceedings.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill reduces the autonomy of states and local governments to set their own immigration enforcement policies.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?-4
The bill increases the likelihood of detention and removal for undocumented individuals in the community.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Coordination with Federal Authorities: By removing barriers, the bill allows local law enforcement to respond to requests regarding an alien's estimated release date, which helps the Secretary of Homeland Security arrange to assume custody (Section 2(b)(1)).
-
Facilitation of Custody Transfers: The provision allows for the maintenance of custody for up to 48 hours to facilitate the transfer of an alien to the Secretary of Homeland Security (Section 2(b)(2)). This can be used to determine if the person should be detained, placed in removal proceedings, released, or removed (Section 2(b)(2)).
-
Funding Access for Compliant Local Governments: A political subdivision that is not ineligible for funds can apply to receive federal funds directly, even if it is part of a State or government unit that is ineligible (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Federal Funding: States or political subdivisions that maintain policies preventing or impeding law enforcement from responding to immigration notices or maintaining custody for up to 48 hours will lose access to Federal funds for their projects or activities (Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)).
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 Immigrants-6Good For Hispanic Americans-4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5Improves Policing Reform-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+6Increase States Rights-5
- 3/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House