Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023

Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023

This bill addresses issues relating to immigration enforcement.

The bill declares that state and local law enforcement have inherent authority to investigate and arrest individuals to assist federal immigration enforcement. (Currently, state and local law enforcement may take certain immigration enforcement actions upon entering into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must reimburse state and local law enforcement for the costs of holding or transporting a detained non-U.S. national (alien under federal law).

DHS may detain an individual beyond the removal period (generally the window in which DHS must remove an individual after a final order of removal) upon making certain certifications, such as certifying that the individual's release would threaten community safety. DHS may renew this certification every six months after giving the individual an opportunity to request a reconsideration. An individual challenging such detention may only do so by applying for a writ of habeas corpus.

Certain individuals subject to mandatory detention may be held without time limitation while removal proceedings are pending.

DHS must detain an individual who is present in the United States without lawful status if the individual has been convicted for driving while intoxicated.

DHS must establish a process to determine whether an individual not subject to mandatory detention and who has tried to comply with a removal order should be detained or released with conditions.

The Department of Justice must include information about immigration law violations in the National Crime Information Center database.

Bill 118 HR 3407, also known as the Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide additional resources and support to law enforcement agencies across the country in order to enhance their ability to combat crime and keep communities safe.

One of the key provisions of the Empowering Law Enforcement Act is the allocation of funding for the hiring of additional police officers and the purchase of new equipment and technology. This funding is intended to help law enforcement agencies better respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and prevent criminal activity.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve training for law enforcement officers, with a focus on de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and mental health awareness. This training is designed to help officers better handle challenging situations and interact more effectively with the communities they serve. Another important aspect of the Empowering Law Enforcement Act is the establishment of a national database for tracking and sharing information on criminal activity. This database will help law enforcement agencies across the country coordinate their efforts and share intelligence to more effectively combat crime. Overall, the Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and improve their ability to protect and serve the public. Supporters of the bill argue that these measures are necessary to address the growing challenges facing law enforcement in the modern world, while critics raise concerns about potential misuse of resources and the need for greater oversight and accountability.