Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) has co-sponsored the Reshape ATD Act, a bill designed to update U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. The legislation would require the implementation of GPS and biometric technology so that law enforcement can know the locations of illegal aliens.
The Reshape ATD Act would also require ICE to publicly announce and inform law enforcement when a migrant absconds from ATD, among other provisions.
Additionally, Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ), a co-sponsor of the bill, blasted the Biden administration for the recent border numbers and said, “We have no way to track these criminals.”
1.6 million KNOWN gotaways.
Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas have allowed at least 1.6 million unvetted illegal aliens to invade the United States.
We have no way to track these criminals.
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) May 16, 2024
“1.6 million KNOWN gotaways. Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas have allowed at least 1.6 million unvetted illegal aliens to invade the United States. We have no way to track these criminals,” said Rep. Biggs.
The bill was introduced by Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) in the House.
“Joe Biden purposely and systematically broke our immigration system by executive action," said Rep. Donalds. "As a result, there are now more than ten million unvetted illegal aliens that have entered our nation. These people should be held in detention facilities upon entering the United States, however, because Joe Biden has dismantled ICE’s ATD program, they are all-too-often released into our country’s interior and subsequently lost. This is why it’s critical that we utilize biometrics and GPS technology to ensure that law enforcement can pinpoint the exact location of illegal aliens prior to deportation. I am proud to join Senator Hagerty in offering this commonsense proposal on behalf of the American people.”
Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX), another co-sponsor, took a swipe at the President in his comments on the bill.
“Criminals are flocking to the United States fully aware that they will be released into our interior without consequences,” said Rep. Nehls. “The absolute bare minimum we should be doing is tracking where they’re going. Look at what happened to Laken Riley and all the other innocent children who have been victims of violent illegal alien crime this year. I can only imagine that some of their lives would have been spared if these sickening individuals were tracked. I’m proud to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Byron Donalds, on this legislation. If Joe Biden truly cares about the safety of the American people, he will begin tracking these criminal illegal aliens.”
Furthermore, Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) – who brought the companion legislation to the upper chamber – says that President Joe Biden (D) is “refusing to enforce the law” at the border.
“The Biden Administration has allowed a tidal wave of illegal aliens to come across our southern border, which has created an unprecedented national security and humanitarian crisis," said Sen. Hagerty. "Yet rather than use all available tools to address the issue, Biden’s DHS is refusing to enforce the laws already on the books and making clear efforts to dismantle detention and allow illegal immigrants to roam free throughout the U.S. by abusing ATD. I’m pleased to introduce legislation to require the Administration to combat record-high illegal immigration and help secure our southern border.”
However, should the Reshape ATC Act miraculously get signed by President Biden, then there may be a way for Rep. Biggs to get his wish.