SC Missouri News

Congressman Michael Guest has introduced the Early Migration Alert Program (EMAP) Act, aiming to enhance communication between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement. The legislation mandates Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inform state and local agencies about the release of migrants into their areas.

"The Biden-Harris Administration has been releasing migrants into local communities without warning," stated Congressman Guest. He emphasized that this lack of communication can overwhelm local law enforcement and public servants, making an alert system like EMAP essential.

The proposed act seeks to bridge the communication gap by requiring ICE and CBP to develop an alert system for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial government authorities. This system is intended to protect individuals' identities while providing early notification to help communities prepare for incoming migrants.

The EMAP Act outlines the creation of an email subscription service that would notify authorities about migrant releases. The information provided would include the number of migrants, those with known criminal histories, initial destinations, and final settlement plans. The legislation also requires a minimum 24-hour notice before releasing a migrant into the United States.

Although ICE cannot control when or where migrants are released due to court orders, it is positioned to offer advance notice through EMAP. "Ensuring the safety and security of our communities starts with better coordination and transparency," said Ezell. He highlighted that EMAP will enable real-time information sharing among federal, state, and local agencies.

Congressman Higgins expressed concern over what he described as a "self-inflicted border crisis" by the Biden-Harris administration. He noted that every state now faces challenges similar to border states due to increased migration flows.

Guest further explained that his district in Mississippi has experienced strains from these migration patterns. He underscored the need for improved communication channels between local and federal officials through this legislation.

Congressman Michael Guest represents Mississippi’s Third Congressional District and serves on several committees including Homeland Security.