US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB149

Introduced
1/17/25  

Caption

Public Safety First ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Specifically, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically targeting those who are inadmissible under certain immigration statutes. By doing so, it is expected to streamline the process for detaining individuals charged with theft-related offenses, thus potentially increasing the number of detainees among the immigrant population. This change could have significant implications for state laws regarding law enforcement and immigration cooperation, as local agencies may be required to collaborate more closely with federal authorities in these detention processes.

Summary

SB149, also known as the Public Safety First Act, mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security take into custody aliens charged with theft, among other crimes. The bill aims to enhance public safety by focusing on individuals who have committed crimes that could jeopardize community security. It defines specific criminal acts, such as burglary and assault of law enforcement officers, which would trigger the mandatory detention of these individuals. This measure reflects a growing concern over the intersection of immigration and crime.

Contention

Notably, this bill may face opposition based on concerns about its impact on immigrant communities and the broader implications for civil liberties. Critics argue that the expedited detention process could lead to racial profiling and the disproportionate targeting of certain communities. Additionally, there are questions about the legal definitions within the bill and the potential for ambiguous interpretations of crimes that may lead to wrongful detentions. Discussions around this bill will likely highlight the balance between public safety and the rights of immigrants.

Congress_id

119-S-149

Policy_area

Immigration

Introduced_date

2025-01-17

Companion Bills

US SB5

Related bill Laken Riley Act

Previously Filed As

US HB29

Laken Riley ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement.Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over adecision to release a non-U.S. national from custody;failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews;failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country;violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; orfailure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.

US HB578

Sarah's LawThis bill requires the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who is unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.DHS must obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which the detained individual was charged or convicted. DHS shall provide the victim, or a relative or guardian of a deceased victim, with information about the detained individual, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.

US S0545

Provides for tiered and reduced penalties for offenses of larceny, and shoplifting. Further provides that offenses of shoplifting or larceny would not be misdemeanors, repeals habitual offender provisions and other fraudulent offenses.

US HB1175

Crimes; offense of theft by shoplifting of essential items; provide

US HB174

Consequences for Social Security Fraud ActThis bill adds additional criminal offences to the grounds upon which a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) may be barred from admission into the United States or deported. Specifically, an individual who has been convicted of, or admits to committing, Social Security fraud, identification document fraud, or fraud related to COVID-19 financial assistance programs is inadmissible or deportable under the bill.

US S0822

Provides that when 2 or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

US S3167

Provides that when two or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

US SB84

Sarah's Law This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who is unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person. ICE must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which the detained individual was charged or convicted. ICE shall provide the victim, or a relative or guardian of a deceased victim, with information about the detained individual, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.

US A405

Upgrades degree of crime of auto theft when committed in connection with home invasion or residential burglary.

US S368

Upgrades degree of crime of auto theft when committed in connection with home invasion or residential burglary.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.