S 1639 PCS
To provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes.
June 18, 2007
Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. SPECTER) introduced the following bill; which was read the first time
June 19, 2007
Read the second time and placed on the calendar
To provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. EFFECTIVE DATE TRIGGERS.
(a) IN GENERAL- With the exception of the probationary benefits conferred by section 601(h) of this Act, the provisions of subtitle C of title IV, and the admission of aliens under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(1) OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER WITH MEXICO- The Secretary of Homeland Security has established and demonstrated operational control of 100 percent of the international land border between the United States and Mexico, including the ability to monitor such border through available methods and technology.
(2) STAFF ENHANCEMENTS FOR BORDER PATROL- The United States Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol has hired, trained, and reporting for duty 20,000 full-time agents as of the date of the certification under this subsection.
(3) STRONG BORDER BARRIERS- There has been--
(A) installed along the international land border between the United States and Mexico as of the date of the certification under this subsection, at least--
(i) 300 miles of vehicle barriers;
(ii) 370 miles of fencing; and
(iii) 105 ground-based radar and camera towers; and
(B) deployed for use along the international land border between the United States and Mexico, as of the date of the certification under this subsection, 4 unmanned aerial vehicles, and the supporting systems for such vehicles.
(4) CATCH AND RETURN- The Secretary of Homeland Security is detaining all removable aliens apprehended crossing the international land border between the United States and Mexico in violation of Federal or State law, except as specifically mandated by Federal or State law or humanitarian circumstances, and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has the resources to maintain this practice, including the resources necessary to detain up to 31,500 aliens per day on an annual basis.
(5) WORKPLACE ENFORCEMENT TOOLS- In compliance with the requirements of title III of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security has established, and is using, secure and effective identification tools to prevent unauthorized workers from obtaining employment in the United States. Such identification tools shall include establishing--
(A) strict standards for identification documents that are required to be presented by the alien to an employer in the hiring process, including the use of secure documentation that--
(i) contains--
(I) a photograph of the alien; and
(II) biometric data identifying the alien; or
(ii) complies with the requirements for such documentation under the REAL ID Act (Public Law 109-13; 119 Stat. 231); and
(B) an electronic employment eligibility verification system that is capable of querying Federal and State databases in order to restrict fraud, identity theft, and use of false social security numbers in the hiring of aliens by an employer by electronically providing a digitized version of the photograph on the alien's original Federal or State issued document or documents for verification of that alien's identity and work eligibility.
(6) PROCESSING APPLICATIONS OF ALIENS- The Secretary of Homeland Security has received, and is processing and adjudicating in a timely manner, applications for Z nonimmigrant status under title VI of this Act, including conducting all necessary background and security checks required under that title.
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS- It is the sense of Congress that the border security and other measures described in subsection (a) shall be completed as soon as practicable, subject to the necessary appropriations.
(c) PRESIDENTIAL PROGRESS REPORT-
(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the requirements under subsection (a) are met, the President shall submit a report to Congress detailing the progress made in funding, meeting, or otherwise satisfying each of the requirements described under paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (a), including detailing any contractual agreements reached to carry out such measures.
(2) PROGRESS NOT SUFFICIENT- If the President determines that sufficient progress is not being made, the President shall include in the report required under paragraph (1) specific funding recommendations, authorization needed, or other actions that are or should be undertaken by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(d) GAO REPORT- Not later than 30 days after the certification is submitted under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress on the accuracy of such certification.
SEC. 2. IMMIGRATION SECURITY ACCOUNT.
Section 286 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by section 623, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
`(z) IMMIGRATION SECURITY ACCOUNT-
(1) IN GENERAL- There is established in the general fund of the Treasury a separate account, which shall be known as the `Immigration Security Account'.
(2) SOURCE OF FUNDS- Immediately upon enactment, $4,400,000,000 shall be transferred from the general fund of the Treasury to the Immigration Security Account.
(3) APPROPRIATIONS-
(A) There are hereby appropriated such sums that are provided under subsection 2 to remain available until five years after enactment.
(B) These sums shall be available for the Secretary of Homeland Security to meet the trigger requirements set forth in title I, section 1, of this Act.
(C) To the extent funds are not exhausted pursuant to (b), they shall be available to the Secretary of Homeland Security for one or more of the following activities:
(i) Fencing and Infrastructure;
(ii) Towers;
(iii) Detention beds;
(iv) Employment Eligibility Verification System, including funds for expenditures under section 306 of this Act, relating to the State Records Improvement Grant Program;
(v) Implementation of programs authorized in titles IV and VI; and
(vi) Other Federal border and interior enforcement requirements to ensure the integrity of programs authorized in titles IV and VI.
(4) TRANSFERS- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall have the authority to transfer amounts out of the Immigration Security Account as appropriate to carry out subsections (3)(b) and (3)( c) of this section.
(5) REPORTING- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committees on the Judiciary and Appropriations of the Senate a plan for expenditure of the funds under subsection 2 within 60 days of enactment of this Act, and update the plan annually, that--
(A) identifies one-time and on-going costs;
(B) identifies the level of funding for each program, project, and activity, and if that funding will supplement an appropriated program, project, or activity;
(C) identifies the amount of funding to be obligated in each fiscal year, by program, project, and activity;
(D) includes milestones for completion of each identified program, project, or activity; and
(E) demonstrates how activities will further the goals and objectives of this Act.
(6) NOTIFICATIONS- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify the Committees on Judiciary and Appropriations of the Senate 15 days prior to reprogramming funds from the original allocation or transferring funds out of the Immigration Security Account.
TITLE I--BORDER ENFORCEMENT
Subtitle A--Assets for Controlling United States Borders
SEC. 101. ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL.
(a) ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL-
(1) U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICERS- In each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012, the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, increase by not less than 500 the number of positions for full-time active duty CBP officers and provide appropriate training, equipment, and support to such additional CBP officers.
(2) INVESTIGATIVE PERSONNEL-
(A) IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATORS- Section 5203 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458; 118 Stat. 3734) is amended by striking `800' and inserting `1000'.
(B) ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL- In addition to the positions authorized under section 5203 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as amended by subparagraph (A), during each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012, the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, increase by not less than 200 the number of positions for personnel within the Department assigned to investigate alien smuggling.
(3) DEPUTY UNITED STATES MARSHALS- In each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012, the Attorney General shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, increase by not less than 50 the number of positions for full-time active duty Deputy United States Marshals that assist in matters related to immigration.
(4) RECRUITMENT OF FORMER MILITARY PERSONNEL-
(A) IN GENERAL- The Commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense or a designee of the Secretary of Defense, shall establish a program to actively recruit members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who have elected to separate from active duty.
(B) REPORT- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner shall submit a report on the implementation of the recruitment program established pursuant to subparagraph (A) to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-
(1) U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICERS- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out paragraph (1) of subsection (a).
(2) DEPUTY UNITED STATES MARSHALS- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out subsection (a)(3).
(3) BORDER PATROL AGENTS- Section 5202 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (118 Stat. 3734) is amended to read as follows:
`SEC. 5202. INCREASE IN FULL-TIME BORDER PATROL AGENTS.
`(a) ANNUAL INCREASES- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, increase the number of positions for full-time active duty border patrol agents within the Department of Homeland Security (above the number of such positions for which funds were appropriated for the preceding fiscal year), by not less than--
`(1) 2,000 in fiscal year 2007;
`(2) 2,400 in fiscal year 2008;
`(3) 2,400 in fiscal year 2009;
`(4) 2,400 in fiscal year 2010;
`(5) 2,400 in fiscal year 2011; and
`(6) 2,400 in fiscal year 2012.
`(b) NORTHERN BORDER- In each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012, in addition to the border patrol agents assigned along the northern border of the United States during the previous fiscal year, the Secretary shall assign a number of border patrol agents equal to not less than 20 percent of the net increase in border patrol agents during each such fiscal year.
`(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this section.'.
(c) SHADOW WOLVES APPREHENSION AND TRACKING-
(1) PURPOSE- The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (referred to in this subsection as the `Secretary'), to establish new units of Customs Patrol Officers (commonly known as `Shadow Wolves') during the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW UNITS-
(A) IN GENERAL- During the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to establish within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement up to 5 additional units of Customs Patrol Officers in accordance with this subsection, as appropriate.
(B) MEMBERSHIP- Each new unit established pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall consist of up to 15 Customs Patrol Officers.
(3) DUTIES- The additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement units established pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) shall operate on Indian reservations (as defined in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (
(A) investigating and preventing the entry of terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States; and
(B) carrying out such other duties as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013.
SEC. 102. TECHNOLOGICAL ASSETS.
(a) ACQUISITION- Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary shall procure additional unmanned aerial vehicles, cameras, poles, sensors, and other technologies necessary to achieve operational control of the borders of the United States.
(b) INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF EQUIPMENT- The Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a plan to use authorities provided to the Secretary of Defense under chapter 18 of title 10, United States Code, to increase the availability and use of Department of Defense equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles, tethered aerostat radars, and other surveillance equipment, to assist the Secretary in carrying out surveillance activities conducted at or near the international land borders of the United States to prevent illegal immigration.
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out subsection (a).
SEC. 103. INFRASTRUCTURE.
Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (
(1) in subsection (a), by striking `Attorney General, in consultation with the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization,' and inserting `Secretary of Homeland Security'; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the following:
`(1) FENCING NEAR SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA- In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide for the construction along the 14 miles of the international land border of the United States, starting at the Pacific Ocean and extending eastward, of second and third fences, in addition to the existing reinforced fence, and for roads between the fences.'.
(C) in paragraph (2), as redesignated--
(i) in the header, by striking `SECURITY FEATURES' and inserting--`ADDITIONAL FENCING ALONG SOUTHWEST BORDER'; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following:
`(A) REINFORCED FENCING- In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall construct reinforced fencing along not less than 700 miles of the southwest border where fencing would be most practical and effective and provide for the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors to gain operational control of the southwest border.
`(B) PRIORITY AREAS- In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall--
`(i) identify the 370 miles along the southwest border where fencing would be most practical and effective in deterring smugglers and aliens attempting to gain illegal entry into the United States; and
`(ii) not later than December 31, 2008, complete construction of reinforced fencing along the 370 miles identified under clause (i).
`(C) CONSULTATION-
`(i) IN GENERAL- In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with the Secretary of Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, States, local governments, Indian tribes, and property owners in the United States to minimize the impact on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of life for the communities and residents located near the sites at which such fencing is to be constructed.
`(ii) SAVINGS PROVISION- Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to--
`(I) create any right of action for a State, local government, or other person or entity affected by this subsection; or
`(II) affect the eminent domain laws of the United States or of any State.
`(D) LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTS- Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), nothing in this paragraph shall require the Secretary of Homeland Security to install fencing, physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors in a particular location along an international border of the United States, if the Secretary determines that the use or placement of such resources is not the most appropriate means to achieve and maintain operational control over the international border at such location.'; and
(D) in paragraph (5), as redesignated, by striking `to carry out this subsection not to exceed $12,000,000' and inserting `such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection'.
SEC. 104. PORTS OF ENTRY.
Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Division C of Public Law 104-208, is amended by the addition, at the end of that section, of the following new subsection:
`(e) CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS- The Secretary is authorized to--
`(1) construct additional ports of entry along the international land borders of the United States, at locations to be determined by the Secretary; and
`(2) make necessary improvements to the ports of entry.'.
Subtitle B--Other Border Security Initiatives
SEC. 111. BIOMETRIC ENTRY-EXIT SYSTEM.
(a) COLLECTION OF BIOMETRIC DATA FROM ALIENS ENTERING AND DEPARTING THE UNITED STATES- Section 215 (
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (g);
(2) by moving subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (1), to the end; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
`(c) The Secretary is authorized to require aliens entering and departing the United States to provide biometric data and other information relating to their immigration status.'.
(b) INSPECTION OF APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION- Section 235(d) (
`(5) AUTHORITY TO COLLECT BIOMETRIC DATA- In conducting inspections under subsections (a) and (b), immigration officers are authorized to collect biometric data from--
`(A) any applicant for admission or any alien who is paroled under section 212(d)(5), seeking to or permitted to land temporarily as an alien crewman, or seeking to or permitted transit through the United States; or
`(B) any lawful permanent resident who is entering the United States and who is not regarded as seeking admission pursuant to section 101(a)(13)(C).'.
(c) COLLECTION OF BIOMETRIC DATA FROM ALIEN CREWMEN- Section 252 (
`(d) An immigration officer is authorized to collect biometric data from an alien crewman seeking permission to land temporarily in the United States.'.
(d) GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY- Section 212 (
(1) in subsection (a)(7), by adding at the end the following:
`(C) WITHHOLDERS OF BIOMETRIC DATA- Any alien who fails or has failed to comply with a lawful request for biometric data under section 215(c), 235(d), or 252(d) is inadmissible.'; and
(2) in subsection (d), by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
`(2) The Secretary may waive the application of subsection (a)(7)(C) for an individual alien or class of aliens.'.
(e) IMPLEMENTATION- Section 7208 of the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act of 2004 (
(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
`(3) IMPLEMENTATION- In fully implementing the automated biometric entry and exit data system under this section, the Secretary is not required to comply with the requirements of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Administrative Procedure Act) or any other law relating to rulemaking, information collection, or publication in the Federal Register.'; and
(2) in subsection (l)--
(A) by striking `There are authorized' and inserting the following:
`(1) IN GENERAL- There are authorized'; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
`(2) IMPLEMENTATION AT ALL LAND BORDER PORTS OF ENTRY- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to implement the automated biometric entry and exit data system at all land border ports of entry.'.
SEC. 112. UNLAWFUL FLIGHT FROM IMMIGRATION OR CUSTOMS CONTROLS.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 758 of Title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 758. Unlawful flight from immigration or customs controls
`(a) EVADING A CHECKPOINT- Any person who, while operating a motor vehicle or vessel, knowingly flees or evades a checkpoint operated by the Department of Homeland Security or any other Federal law enforcement agency, and then knowingly or recklessly disregards or disobeys the lawful command of any law enforcement agent, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
`(b) FAILURE TO STOP- Any person who, while operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, or vessel, knowingly or recklessly disregards or disobeys the lawful command of an officer of the Department of Homeland Security engaged in the enforcement of the immigration, customs, or maritime laws, or the lawful command of any law enforcement agent assisting such officer, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
`(c) ALTERNATIVE PENALTIES- Notwithstanding the penalties provided in subsection (a) or (b), any person who violates such subsection shall--
`(1) be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both, if the violation involved the operation of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or vessel--
`(A) in excess of the applicable or posted speed limit,
`(B) in excess of the rated capacity of the motor vehicle, aircraft, or vessel, or
`(C) in an otherwise dangerous or reckless manner;
`(2) be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both, if the violation created a substantial and foreseeable risk of serious bodily injury or death to any person;
`(3) be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both, if the violation caused serious bodily injury to any person; or
`(4) be fined under this title, imprisoned for any term of years or life, or both, if the violation resulted in the death of any person.
`(d) ATTEMPT AND CONSPIRACY- Any person who attempts or conspires to commit any offense under this section shall be punished in the same manner as a person who completes the offense.
`(e) FORFEITURE- Any property, real or personal, constituting or traceable to the gross proceeds of the offense and any property, real or personal, used or intended to be used to commit or facilitate the commission of the offense shall be subject to forfeiture.
`(f) FORFEITURE PROCEDURES- Seizures and forfeitures under this section shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 46 of this title, relating to civil forfeitures, including section 981(d) of such title, except that such duties as are imposed upon the Secretary of the Treasury under the customs laws described in that section shall be performed by such officers, agents, and other persons as may be designated for that purpose by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Secretary to seize and forfeit motor vehicles, aircraft, or vessels under the Customs laws or any other laws of the United States.
`(g) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this section--
`(1) The term `checkpoint' includes, but is not limited to, any customs or immigration inspection at a port of entry.
`(2) The term `lawful command' includes, but is not limited to, a command to stop, decrease speed, alter course, or land, whether communicated orally, visually, by means of lights or sirens, or by radio, telephone, or other wire communication.
`(3) The term `law enforcement agent' means any Federal, State, local or tribal official authorized to enforce criminal law, and, when conveying a command covered under subsection (b) of this section, an air traffic controller.
`(4) The term `motor vehicle' means any motorized or self-propelled means of terrestrial transportation.
`(5) The term `serious bodily injury' has the meaning given in section 2119(2) of this title.'.
SEC. 113. RELEASE OF ALIENS FROM NONCONTIGUOUS COUNTRIES.
Section 236(a)(2) (
(1) by striking `on';
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by inserting `except as provided under subparagraph (B), upon the giving of a' before `bond'; and
(B) by striking `or' at the end;
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
`(B) upon the giving of a bond of not less than $5,000 with security approved by, and containing conditions prescribed by, the Secretary or the Attorney General, if the alien--
`(i) is a national of a noncontiguous country;
`(ii) has not been admitted or paroled into the United States; and
`(iii) was apprehended within 100 miles of the international border of the United States or presents a flight risk, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security; or'.
SEC. 114. SEIZURE OF CONVEYANCE WITH CONCEALED COMPARTMENT: EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF CONVEYANCES WITH HIDDEN COMPARTMENTS SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 1703 of title 19, United States Code is amended:
(1) by amending the title of such section to read as follows:
`Sec. 1703. Seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, other conveyances and instruments of international traffic';
(2) by amending the title of subsection (a) to read as follows:
`(a) Vessels, vehicles, other conveyances and instruments of international traffic subject to seizure and forfeiture';
(3) by amending the title of subsection (b) to read as follows:
`(b) Vessels, vehicles, other conveyances and instruments of international traffic defined';
(4) by inserting `, vehicle, other conveyance or instrument of international traffic' after the word `vessel' everywhere it appears in the text of subsections (a) and (b); and
(5) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
`(c) Acts constituting prima facie evidence of vessel, vehicle, or other conveyance or instrument of international traffic engaged in smuggling `For the purposes of this section, prima facie evidence that a conveyance is being, or has been, or is attempted to be employed in smuggling or to defraud the revenue of the United States shall be--
`(1) in the case of a vessel, the fact that a vessel has become subject to pursuit as provided in section 1581 of this title, or is a hovering vessel, or that a vessel fails, at any place within the customs waters of the United States or within a customs-enforcement area, to display light as required by law.
`(2) in the case of a vehicle, other conveyance or instrument of international traffic, the fact that a vehicle, other conveyance or instrument of international traffic has any compartment or equipment that is built or fitted out for smuggling.'.'
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections for Chapter 5 in title 19, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to section 1703 and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
`1703. Seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, other conveyances or instruments of international traffic.
`(a) Vessels, vehicles, other conveyances or instruments of international traffic subject to seizure and forfeiture.
`(b) Vessels, vehicles, other conveyances or instruments of international traffic defined.
`(c) Acts constituting prima facie evidence of vessel, vehicle, other conveyance or instrument of international traffic engaged in smuggling.'.
Subtitle C--Other Measures
SEC. 121. DEATHS AT UNITED STATES-MEXICO BORDER.
(a) COLLECTION OF STATISTICS- The Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection shall collect statistics relating to deaths occurring at the border between the United States and Mexico, including--
(1) the causes of the deaths; and
(2) the total number of deaths.
(b) REPORT- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection shall submit to the Secretary a report that--
(1) analyzes trends with respect to the statistics collected under subsection (a) during the preceding year; and
(2) recommends actions to reduce the deaths described in subsection (a).
SEC. 122. BORDER SECURITY ON CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND.
(a) DEFINITIONS- In this section:
(1) PROTECTED LAND- The term `protected land' means land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned.
(2) SECRETARY CONCERNED- The term `Secretary concerned' means--
(A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) SUPPORT FOR BORDER SECURITY NEEDS-
(1) IN GENERAL- To gain operational control over the international land borders of the United States and to prevent the entry of terrorists, unlawful aliens, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States, the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary concerned, shall provide--
(A) increased U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel to secure protected land along the international land borders of the United States;
(B) Federal land resource training for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents dedicated to protected land; and
(C) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, aerial assets, Remote Video Surveillance camera systems, and sensors on protected land that is directly adjacent to the international land border of the United States.
(2) COORDINATION- In providing training for Customs and Border Protection agents under paragraph (l)(B), the Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary concerned to ensure that the training is appropriate to the mission of the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, or the relevant agency of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture to minimize the adverse impact on natural and cultural resources from border protection activities.
(c) ANALYSIS OF DAMAGE TO PROTECTED LANDS- The Secretary and Secretaries concerned shall develop an analysis of damage to protected lands relating to illegal border activity, including the cost of equipment, training, recurring maintenance, construction of facilities, restoration of natural and cultural resources, recapitalization of facilities, and operations.
(d) RECOMMENDATIONS- The Secretary shall--
(1) develop joint recommendations with the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service for an appropriate cost recovery mechanism relating to items identified in subsection (c); and
(2) not later than one year from the date of enactment, submit to the appropriate congressional committees (as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (
(e) BORDER PROTECTION STRATEGY- The Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly develop a border protection strategy that supports the border security needs of the United States in the manner that best protects the homeland, including--
(1) units of the National Park System;
(2) National Forest System land;
(3) land under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and
(4) other relevant land under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture.
SEC. 123. SECURE COMMUNICATION.
The Secretary shall, as expeditiously as practicable, develop and implement a plan to improve the use of satellite communications and other technologies to ensure clear and secure 2-way communication capabilities--
(1) among all Border Patrol agents conducting operations between ports of entry;
(2) between Border Patrol agents and their respective Border Patrol stations; and
(3) between all appropriate border security agencies of the Department and State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
SEC. 124. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
(a) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE- The Secretary shall acquire and maintain unmanned aircraft systems for use on the border, including related equipment such as--
(1) additional sensors;
(2) critical spares;
(3) satellite command and control; and
(4) other necessary equipment for operational support.
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-
(1) IN GENERAL- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out subsection (a)--
(A) $178,400,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(B) $276,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
(2) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS- Amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 125. SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAMS.
(a) AERIAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM-
(1) IN GENERAL- In conjunction with the border surveillance plan developed under section 5201 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458;
(2) ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS- In developing the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
(A) consider current and proposed aerial surveillance technologies;
(B) assess the feasibility and advisability of utilizing such technologies to address border threats, including an assessment of the technologies considered best suited to address respective threats;
(C) consult with the Secretary of Defense regarding any technologies or equipment which the Secretary may deploy along an international border of the United States; and
(D) consult with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration regarding safety, airspace coordination and regulation, and any other issues necessary for implementation of the program.
(3) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS-
(A) IN GENERAL- The program developed under this subsection shall include the use of a variety of aerial surveillance technologies in a variety of topographies and areas, including populated and unpopulated areas located on or near an international border of the United States, in order to evaluate, for a range of circumstances--
(i) the significance of previous experiences with such technologies in border security or critical infrastructure protection;
(ii) the cost and effectiveness of various technologies for border security, including varying levels of technical complexity; and
(iii) liability, safety, and privacy concerns relating to the utilization of such technologies for border security.
(4) CONTINUED USE OF AERIAL SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGIES- The Secretary may continue the operation of aerial surveillance technologies while assessing the effectiveness of the utilization of such technologies.
(5) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than 180 days after implementing the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress regarding the program developed under this subsection. The Secretary shall include in the report a description of the program together with such recommendations as the Secretary finds appropriate for enhancing the program.
(6) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.
(b) INTEGRATED AND AUTOMATED SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM-
(1) REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a program to procure additional unmanned aerial vehicles, cameras, poles, sensors, satellites, radar coverage, and other technologies necessary to achieve operational control of the international borders of the United States and to establish a security perimeter known as a `virtual fence' along such international borders to provide a barrier to illegal immigration. Such program shall be known as the Integrated and Automated Surveillance Program.
(2) PROGRAM COMPONENTS- The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent feasible, the Integrated and Automated Surveillance Program is carried out in a manner that--
(A) the technologies utilized in the Program are integrated and function cohesively in an automated fashion, including the integration of motion sensor alerts and cameras, whereby a sensor alert automatically activates a corresponding camera to pan and tilt in the direction of the triggered sensor;
(B) cameras utilized in the Program do not have to be manually operated;
(C) such camera views and positions are not fixed;
(D) surveillance video taken by such cameras can be viewed at multiple designated communications centers;
(E) a standard process is used to collect, catalog, and report intrusion and response data collected under the Program;
(F) future remote surveillance technology investments and upgrades for the Program can be integrated with existing systems;
(G) performance measures are developed and applied that can evaluate whether the Program is providing desired results and increasing response effectiveness in monitoring and detecting illegal intrusions along the international borders of the United States;
(H) plans are developed under the Program to streamline site selection, site validation, and environmental assessment processes to minimize delays of installing surveillance technology infrastructure;
(I) standards are developed under the Program to expand the shared use of existing private and governmental structures to install remote surveillance technology infrastructure where possible; and
(J) standards are developed under the Program to identify and deploy the use of nonpermanent or mobile surveillance platforms that will increase the Secretary's mobility and ability to identify illegal border intrusions.
(3) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than 1 year after the initial implementation of the Integrated and Automated Surveillance Program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report regarding the Program. The Secretary shall include in the report a description of the Program together with any recommendation that the Secretary finds appropriate for enhancing the program.
(4) EVALUATION OF CONTRACTORS-
(A) REQUIREMENT FOR STANDARDS- The Secretary shall develop appropriate standards to evaluate the performance of any contractor providing goods or services to carry out the Integrated and Automated Surveillance Program.
(B) REVIEW BY THE INSPECTOR GENERAL- The Inspector General of the Department shall timely review each new contract related to the Program that has a value of more than $5,000,000, to determine whether such contract fully complies with applicable cost requirements, performance objectives, program milestones, and schedules. The Inspector General shall report the findings of such review to the Secretary in a timely manner. Not later than 30 days after the date the Secretary receives a report of findings from the Inspector General, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report of such findings and a description of any the steps that the Secretary has taken or plans to take in response to such findings.
(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.
SEC. 126. SURVEILLANCE PLAN.
(a) REQUIREMENT FOR PLAN- The Secretary shall develop a comprehensive plan for the systematic surveillance of the international land and maritime borders of the United States.
(b) CONTENT- The plan required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) An assessment of existing technologies employed on the international land and maritime borders of the United States.
(2) A description of the compatibility of new surveillance technologies with surveillance technologies in use by the Secretary on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) A description of how the Commissioner of the United States Customs and Border Protection of the Department is working, or is expected to work, with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department to identify and test surveillance technology.
(4) A description of the specific surveillance technology to be deployed.
(5) Identification of any obstacles that may impede such deployment.
(6) A detailed estimate of all costs associated with such deployment and with continued maintenance of such technologies.
(7) A description of how the Secretary is working with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration on safety and airspace control issues associated with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
(c) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS- Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress the plan required by this section.
SEC. 127. NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR BORDER SECURITY.
(a) REQUIREMENT FOR STRATEGY- The Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a National Strategy for Border Security that describes actions to be carried out to achieve operational control over all ports of entry into the United States and the international land and maritime borders of the United States.
(b) CONTENT- The National Strategy for Border Security shall include the following:
(1) The implementation schedule for the comprehensive plan for systematic surveillance described in section 136.
(2) An assessment of the threat posed by terrorists and terrorist groups that may try to infiltrate the United States at locations along the international land and maritime borders of the United States.
(3) A risk assessment for all United States ports of entry and all portions of the international land and maritime borders of the United States that includes a description of activities being undertaken--
(A) to prevent the entry of terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband into the United States; and
(B) to protect critical infrastructure at or near such ports of entry or borders.
(4) An assessment of the legal requirements that prevent achieving and maintaining operational control over the entire international land and maritime borders of the United States.
(5) An assessment of the most appropriate, practical, and cost-effective means of defending the international land and maritime borders of the United States against threats to security and illegal transit, including intelligence capacities, technology, equipment, personnel, and training needed to address security vulnerabilities.
(6) An assessment of staffing needs for all border security functions, taking into account threat and vulnerability information pertaining to the borders and the impact of new security programs, policies, and technologies.
(7) A description of the border security roles and missions of Federal, State, regional, local, and tribal authorities, and recommendations regarding actions the Secretary can carry out to improve coordination with such authorities to enable border security and enforcement activities to be carried out in a more efficient and effective manner.
(8) An assessment of existing efforts and technologies used for border security and the effect of the use of such efforts and technologies on civil rights, personal property rights, privacy rights, and civil liberties, including an assessment of efforts to take into account asylum seekers, trafficking victims, unaccompanied minor aliens, and other vulnerable populations.
(9) A prioritized list of research and development objectives to enhance the security of the international land and maritime borders of the United States.
(10) A description of ways to ensure that the free flow of travel and commerce is not diminished by efforts, activities, and programs aimed at securing the international land and maritime borders of the United States.
(11) An assessment of additional detention facilities and beds that are needed to detain unlawful aliens apprehended at United States ports of entry or along the international land borders of the United States.
(12) A description of the performance metrics to be used to ensure accountability by the bureaus of the Department in implementing such Strategy.
(13) A schedule for the implementation of the security measures described in such Strategy, including a prioritization of security measures, realistic deadlines for addressing the security and enforcement needs, an estimate of the resources needed to carry out such measures, and a description of how such resources should be allocated.
(c) CONSULTATION- In developing the National Strategy for Border Security, the Secretary shall consult with representatives of--
(1) State, local, and tribal authorities with responsibility for locations along the international land and maritime borders of the United States; and
(2) appropriate private sector entities, nongovernmental organizations, and affected communities that have expertise in areas related to border security.
(d) COORDINATION- The National Strategy for Border Security shall be consistent with the National Strategy for Maritime Security developed pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13, dated December 21, 2004.
(e) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS-
(1) STRATEGY- Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress the National Strategy for Border Security.
(2) UPDATES- The Secretary shall submit to Congress any update of such Strategy that the Secretary determines is necessary, not later than 30 days after such update is developed.
(f) IMMEDIATE ACTION- Nothing in this section or section 111 may be construed to relieve the Secretary of the responsibility to take all actions necessary and appropriate to achieve and maintain operational control over the entire international land and maritime borders of the United States.
SEC. 128. BORDER PATROL TRAINING CAPACITY REVIEW.
(a) IN GENERAL- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the basic training provided to Border Patrol agents by the Secretary to ensure that such training is provided as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
(b) COMPONENTS OF REVIEW- The review under subsection (a) shall include the following components:
(1) An evaluation of the length and content of the basic training curriculum provided to new Border Patrol agents by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, including a description of how such curriculum has changed since September 11, 2001, and an evaluation of language and cultural diversity training programs provided within such curriculum.
(2) A review and a detailed breakdown of the costs incurred by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to train 1 new Border Patrol agent.
(3) A comparison, based on the review and breakdown under paragraph (2), of the costs, effectiveness, scope, and quality, including geographic characteristics, with other similar training programs provided by State and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and the private sector.
(4) An evaluation of whether utilizing comparable non-Federal training programs, proficiency testing, and long-distance learning programs may affect--
(A) the cost-effectiveness of increasing the number of Border Patrol agents trained per year;
(B) the per agent costs of basic training; and
(C) the scope and quality of basic training needed to fulfill the mission and duties of a Border Patrol agent.
SEC. 129. BIOMETRIC DATA ENHANCEMENTS.
Not later than October 1, 2008, the Secretary shall--
(1) in consultation with the Attorney General, enhance connectivity between the Automated Biometric Fingerprint Identification System (IDENT) of the Department and the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ensure more expeditious data searches; and
(2) in consultation with the Secretary of State, collect all fingerprints from each alien required to provide fingerprints during the alien's initial enrollment in the integrated entry and exit data system described in section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (
SEC. 130. US-VISIT SYSTEM.
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall submit to Congress a schedule for--
(1) Equipping all land border ports of entry of the United States with the U.S.-Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) system implemented under section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (
(2) developing and deploying at such ports of entry the exit component of the US-VISIT system; and
(3) making interoperable all immigration screening systems operated by the Secretary.
SEC. 131. DOCUMENT FRAUD DETECTION.
(a) TRAINING- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall provide all U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers with training in identifying and detecting fraudulent travel documents. Such training shall be developed in consultation with the head of the Forensic Document Laboratory of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
(b) FORENSIC DOCUMENT LABORATORY- The Secretary shall provide all U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers with access to the Forensic Document Laboratory.
(c) ASSESSMENT-
(1) REQUIREMENT FOR ASSESSMENT- The Inspector General of the Department shall conduct an independent assessment of the accuracy and reliability of the Forensic Document Laboratory.
(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General shall submit to Congress the findings of the assessment required by paragraph (1).
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out this section.
SEC. 132. BORDER RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary is authorized to award grants, subject to the availability of appropriations, to an eligible law enforcement agency to provide assistance to such agency to address--
(A) criminal activity that occurs in the jurisdiction of such agency by virtue of such agency's proximity to the United States border; and
(B) the impact of any lack of security along the United States border.
(2) DURATION- Grants may be awarded under this subsection during fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(3) COMPETITIVE BASIS- The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection on a competitive basis, except that the Secretary shall give priority to applications from any eligible law enforcement agency serving a community--
(A) with a population of less than 50,000; and
(B) located no more than 100 miles from a United States border with--
(i) Canada; or
(ii) Mexico.
(b) USE OF FUNDS- Grants awarded pursuant to subsection (a) may only be used to provide additional resources for an eligible law enforcement agency to address criminal activity occurring along any such border, including--
(1) to obtain equipment;
(2) to hire additional personnel;
(3) to upgrade and maintain law enforcement technology;
(4) to cover operational costs, including overtime and transportation costs; and
(5) such other resources as are available to assist that agency.
(c) APPLICATION-
(1) IN GENERAL- Each eligible law enforcement agency seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(2) CONTENTS- Each application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall--
(A) describe the activities for which assistance under this section is sought; and
(B) provide such additional assurances as the Secretary determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.
(d) DEFINITIONS- For the purposes of this section:
(1) ELIGIBLE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY- The term `eligible law enforcement agency' means a tribal, State, or local law enforcement agency--
(A) located in a county no more than 100 miles from a United States border with--
(i) Canada; or
(ii) Mexico; or
(B) located in a county more than 100 miles from any such border, but where such county has been certified by the Secretary as a High Impact Area.
(2) HIGH IMPACT AREA- The term `High Impact Area' means any county designated by the Secretary as such, taking into consideration--
(A) whether local law enforcement agencies in that county have the resources to protect the lives, property, safety, or welfare of the residents of that county;
(B) the relationship between any lack of security along the United States border and the rise, if any, of criminal activity in that county; and
(C) any other unique challenges that local law enforcement face due to a lack of security along the United States border.
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-
(1) IN GENERAL- There are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to carry out the provisions of this section.
(2) DIVISION OF AUTHORIZED FUNDS- Of the amounts authorized under paragraph (1)--
(A) 2/3 shall be set aside for eligible law enforcement agencies located in the 6 States with the largest number of undocumented alien apprehensions; and
(B) 1/3 shall be set aside for areas designated as a High Impact Area under subsection (d).
(f) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT- Amounts appropriated for grants under this section shall be used to supplement and not supplant other State and local public funds obligated for the purposes provided under this title.
SEC. 133. PORT OF ENTRY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT STUDY.
(a) REQUIREMENT TO UPDATE- Not later than January 31 of each year, the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shall update the Port of Entry Infrastructure Assessment Study prepared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in accordance with the matter relating to the ports of entry infrastructure assessment that is set out in the joint explanatory statement in the conference report accompanying H.R. 2490 of the 106th Congress, 1st session (House of Representatives Rep. No. 106-319, on page 67) and submit such updated study to Congress.
(b) CONSULTATION- In preparing the updated studies required in subsection (a), the Administrator of General Services shall consult with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Secretary, and the Commissioner.
(c) CONTENT- Each updated study required in subsection (a) shall--
(1) identify port of entry infrastructure and technology improvement projects that would enhance border security and facilitate the flow of legitimate commerce if implemented;
(2) include the projects identified in the National Land Border Security Plan required by section; and
(3) prioritize the projects described in paragraphs (1) and (2) based on the ability of a project to--
(A) fulfill immediate security requirements; and
(B) facilitate trade across the borders of the United States.
(d) PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION- The Commissioner shall implement the infrastructure and technology improvement projects described in subsection (c) in the order of priority assigned to each project under subsection (c)(3).
(e) DIVERGENCE FROM PRIORITIES- The Commissioner may diverge from the priority order if the Commissioner determines that significantly changed circumstances, such as immediate security needs or changes in infrastructure in Mexico or Canada, compellingly alter the need for a project in the United States.
SEC. 134. NATIONAL LAND BORDER SECURITY PLAN.
(a) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary, after consultation with representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and private entities that are involved in international trade across the northern border or the southern border, shall submit a National Land Border Security Plan to Congress.
(b) VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT-
(1) IN GENERAL- The plan required in subsection (a) shall include a vulnerability assessment of each port of entry located on the northern border or the southern border.
(2) PORT SECURITY COORDINATORS- The Secretary may establish 1 or more port security coordinators at each port of entry located on the northern border or the southern border--
(A) to assist in conducting a vulnerability assessment at such port; and
(B) to provide other assistance with the preparation of the plan required in subsection (a).
SEC. 135. PORT OF ENTRY TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT- The Secretary shall carry out a technology demonstration program to--
(1) test and evaluate new port of entry technologies;
(2) refine port of entry technologies and operational concepts; and
(3) train personnel under realistic conditions.
(b) TECHNOLOGY AND FACILITIES-
(1) TECHNOLOGY TESTING- Under the technology demonstration program, the Secretary shall test technologies that enhance port of entry operations, including operations related to--
(A) inspections;
(B) communications;
(C) port tracking;
(D) identification of persons and cargo;
(E) sensory devices;
(F) personal detection;
(G) decision support; and
(H) the detection and identification of weapons of mass destruction.
(2) DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES- At a demonstration site selected pursuant to subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall develop facilities to provide appropriate training to law enforcement personnel who have responsibility for border security, including--
(A) cross-training among agencies;
(B) advanced law enforcement training; and
(C) equipment orientation.
(c) DEMONSTRATION SITES-
(1) NUMBER- The Secretary shall carry out the demonstration program at not less than 3 sites and not more than 5 sites.
(2) SELECTION CRITERIA- To ensure that at least 1 of the facilities selected as a port of entry demonstration site for the demonstration program has the most up-to-date design, contains sufficient space to conduct the demonstration program, has a traffic volume low enough to easily incorporate new technologies without interrupting normal processing activity, and can efficiently carry out demonstration and port of entry operations, at least 1 port of entry selected as a demonstration site shall--
(A) have been established not more than 15 years before the date of the enactment of this Act;
(B) consist of not less than 65 acres, with the possibility of expansion to not less than 25 adjacent acres; and
(C) have serviced an average of not more than 50,000 vehicles per month during the 1-year period ending on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGENCIES- The Secretary shall permit personnel from an appropriate Federal or State agency to utilize a demonstration site described in subsection (c) to test technologies that enhance port of entry operations, including technologies described in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of subsection (b)(1).
(e) REPORT-
(1) REQUIREMENT- Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out at each demonstration site under the technology demonstration program established under this section.
(2) CONTENT- The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment by the Secretary of the feasibility of incorporating any demonstrated technology for use throughout the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
SEC. 136. COMBATING HUMAN SMUGGLING.
(a) REQUIREMENT FOR PLAN- The Secretary shall develop and implement a plan to improve coordination between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department and any other Federal, State, local, or tribal authorities, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, to improve coordination efforts to combat human smuggling.
(b) CONTENT- In developing the plan required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider--
(1) the interoperability of databases utilized to prevent human smuggling;
(2) adequate and effective personnel training;
(3) methods and programs to effectively target networks that engage in such smuggling;
(4) effective utilization of--
(A) visas for victims of trafficking and other crimes; and
(B) investigatory techniques, equipment, and procedures that prevent, detect, and prosecute international money laundering and other operations that are utilized in smuggling;
(5) joint measures, with the Secretary of State, to enhance intelligence sharing and cooperation with foreign governments whose citizens are preyed on by human smugglers; and
(6) other measures that the Secretary considers appropriate to combating human smuggling.
(c) REPORT- Not later than 1 year after implementing the plan described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on such plan, including any recommendations for legislative action to improve efforts to combating human smuggling.
(d) SAVINGS PROVISION- Nothing in this section may be construed to provide additional authority to any State or local entity to enforce Federal immigration laws.
SEC. 137. INCREASE OF FEDERAL DETENTION SPACE AND THE UTILIZATION OF FACILITIES IDENTIFIED FOR CLOSURES AS A RESULT OF THE DEFENSE BASE CLOSURE REALIGNMENT ACT OF 1990.
(a) CONSTRUCTION OR ACQUISITION OF DETENTION FACILITIES-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall construct or acquire, in addition to existing facilities for the detention of aliens, at least 20 detention facilities in the United States that have the capacity to detain a combined total of not less than 20,000 individuals at any time for aliens detained pending removal or a decision on removal of such aliens from the United States subject to available appropriations.
(b) CONSTRUCTION OF OR ACQUISITION OF DETENTION FACILITIES-
(1) REQUIREMENT TO CONSTRUCT OR ACQUIRE- The Secretary shall construct or acquire additional detention facilities in the United States to accommodate the detention beds required by section 5204(a) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protection Act of 2004, as amended by subsection (a), subject to available appropriations.
(2) USE OF ALTERNATE DETENTION FACILITIES- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall fully utilize all possible options to cost effectively increase available detention capacities, and shall utilize detention facilities that are owned and operated by the Federal Government if the use of such facilities is cost effective.
(3) USE OF INSTALLATIONS UNDER BASE CLOSURE LAWS- In acquiring additional detention facilities under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the transfer of appropriate portions of military installations approved for closure or realignment under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101-510;
(4) DETERMINATION OF LOCATION- The location of any detention facility constructed or acquired in accordance with this subsection shall be determined, with the concurrence of the Secretary, by the senior officer responsible for Detention and Removal Operations in the Department. The detention facilities shall be located so as to enable the officers and employees of the Department to increase to the maximum extent practicable the annual rate and level of removals of illegal aliens from the United States.
(c) ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, the Secretary shall submit to Congress an assessment of the additional detention facilities and bed space needed to detain unlawful aliens apprehended at the United States ports of entry or along the international land borders of the United States.
(d) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 241(g)(1) (
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 138. UNITED STATES-MEXICO BORDER ENFORCEMENT REVIEW COMMISSION.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION-
(1) IN GENERAL- There is established an independent commission to be known as the United States-Mexico Border Enforcement Review Commission (referred to in this section as the `Commission').
(2) PURPOSES- The purposes of the Commission are--
(A) to study the overall enforcement strategies, programs and policies of Federal agencies along the United States-Mexico border; and
(B) to make recommendations to the President and Congress with respect to such strategies, programs and policies.
(3) MEMBERSHIP- The Commission shall be composed of 17 voting members, who shall be appointed as follows:
(A) The Governors of the States of California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas shall each appoint 4 voting members of whom--
(i) 1 shall be a local elected official from the State's border region;
(ii) 1 shall be a local law enforcement official from the State's border region; and
(iii) 2 shall be from the State's communities of academia, religious leaders, civic leaders or community leaders.
(B) 2 nonvoting members, of whom--
(i) 1 shall be appointed by the Secretary;
(ii) 1 shall be appointed by the Attorney General; and
(iii) 1 shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.
(4) QUALIFICATIONS-
(A) IN GENERAL- Members of the Commission shall be--
(i) individuals with expertise in migration, border enforcement and protection, civil and human rights, community relations, crossborder trade and commerce or other pertinent qualifications or experience; and
(ii) representative of a broad cross section of perspectives from the region along the international border between the United States and Mexico;
(B) POLITICAL AFFILIATION- Not more than 2 members of the Commission appointed by each Governor under paragraph (3)(A) may be members of the same political party.
(C) NONGOVERNMENTAL APPOINTEES- An individual appointed as a voting member to the Commission may not be an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(5) DEADLINE FOR APPOINTMENT- All members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 6 months after the enactment of this Act. If any member of the Commission described in paragraph (3)(A) is not appointed by such date, the Commission shall carry out its duties under this section without the participation of such member.
(6) TERM OF SERVICE- The term of office for members shall be for life of the Commission.
(7) VACANCIES- Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
(8) MEETINGS-
(A) INITIAL MEETING- The Commission shall meet and begin the operations of the Commission as soon as practicable.
(B) SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS- After its initial meeting, the Commission shall meet upon the call of the chairman or a majority of its members.
(9) QUORUM- Nine members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
(10) CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR- The voting members of the Commission shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among its members. The term of office shall be for the life of the Commission.
(b) DUTIES- The Commission shall review, examine, and make recommendations regarding border enforcement policies, strategies, and programs, including recommendations regarding--
(1) the protection of human and civil rights of community residents and migrants along the international border between the United States and Mexico;
(2) the adequacy and effectiveness of human and civil rights training of enforcement personnel on such border;
(3) the adequacy of the complaint process within the agencies and programs of the Department that are employed when an individual files a grievance;
(4) the effect of the operations, technology, and enforcement infrastructure along such border on the--
(A) environment;
(B) cross border traffic and commerce; and
(C) the quality of life of border communities;
(5) local law enforcement involvement in the enforcement of Federal immigration law; and
(6) any other matters regarding border enforcement policies, strategies, and programs the Commission determines appropriate.
(c) INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES-
(1) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES- The Commission may seek directly from any department or agency of the United States such information, including suggestions, estimates, and statistics, as allowed by law and as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Upon request of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
(2) ASSISTANCE FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES- The Administrator of General Services shall, on a reimbursable basis, provide the Commission with administrative support and other services for the performance of the Commission's functions. The departments and agencies of the United States may provide the Commission with such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support services as they determine advisable and as authorized by law.
(d) COMPENSATION-
(1) IN GENERAL- Members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
(2) REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES- All members of the Commission shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses and subsistence, and other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
(e) REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date of the first meeting called pursuant to (a)(8)(A), the Commission shall submit a report to the President and Congress that contains--
(1) findings with respect to the duties of the Commission;
(2) recommendations regarding border enforcement policies, strategies, and programs;
(3) suggestions for the implementation of the Commission's recommendations; and
(4) a recommendation as to whether the Commission should continue to exist after the date of termination described in subsection (g), and if so, a description of the purposes and duties recommended to be carried out by the Commission after such date.
(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
(g) SUNSET- Unless the Commission is reauthorized by Congress, the Commission shall terminate on the date that is 90 days after the date the Commission submits the report described in subsection (e).
SEC. 139. NORTHERN BORDER PROSECUTION REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) SHORT TITLE- This section may be cited as the `Northern Border Prosecution Initiative Reimbursement Act'.
(b) NORTHERN BORDER PROSECUTION INITIATIVE-
(1) INITIATIVE REQUIRED- From amounts made available to carry out this section, the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the Office of Justice Programs, shall carry out a program, to be known as the Northern Border Prosecution Initiative, to provide funds to reimburse eligible northern border entities for costs incurred by those entities for handling case dispositions of criminal cases that are federally initiated but federally declined-referred. This program shall be modeled after the Southwestern Border Prosecution Initiative and shall serve as a partner program to that initiative to reimburse local jurisdictions for processing Federal cases.
(2) PROVISION AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS- Funds provided under the program shall be provided in the form of direct reimbursements and shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the manner under which funds are allocated under the Southwestern Border Prosecution Initiative.
(3) USE OF FUNDS- Funds provided to an eligible northern border entity may be used by the entity for any lawful purpose, including the following purposes:
(A) Prosecution and related costs.
(B) Court costs.
(C) Costs of courtroom technology.
(D) Costs of constructing holding spaces.
(E) Costs of administrative staff.
(F) Costs of defense counsel for indigent defendants.
(G) Detention costs, including pre-trial and post-trial detention.
(4) DEFINITIONS- In this section:
(A) The term `eligible northern border entity' means--
(i) any of the following States: Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin; or
(ii) any unit of local government within a State referred to in clause (i).
(B) The term `federally initiated' means, with respect to a criminal case, that the case results from a criminal investigation or an arrest involving Federal law enforcement authorities for a potential violation of Federal criminal law, including investigations resulting from multi-jurisdictional task forces.
(C) The term `federally declined-referred' means, with respect to a criminal case, that a decision has been made in that case by a United States Attorney or a Federal law enforcement agency during a Federal investigation to no longer pursue Federal criminal charges against a defendant and to refer the investigation to a State or local jurisdiction for possible prosecution. The term includes a decision made on an individualized case-by-case basis as well as a decision made pursuant to a general policy or practice or pursuant to prosecutorial discretion.
(D) The term `case disposition', for purposes of the Northern Border Prosecution Initiative, refers to the time between a suspect's arrest and the resolution of the criminal charges through a county or State judicial or prosecutorial process. Disposition does not include incarceration time for sentenced offenders, or time spent by prosecutors on judicial appeals.
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $28,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
Subtitle D--Asylum and Detention Safeguards
SEC. 140. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the `Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act'.
SEC. 141. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) CREDIBLE FEAR OF PERSECUTION- The term `credible fear of persecution' has the meaning given that term in section 235(b)(1)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(2) DETAINEE- The term `detainee' means an alien in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security who is held in a detention facility.
(3) DETENTION FACILITY- The term `detention facility' means any Federal facility in which an alien detained pending the outcome of a removal proceeding, or an alien detained pending the execution of a final order of removal, is detained for more than 72 hours, or any other facility in which such detention services are provided to the Federal Government by contract, and does not include detention at any port of entry in the United States.
(4) REASONABLE FEAR OF PERSECUTION OR TORTURE- The term `reasonable fear of persecution or torture' has the meaning given that term in section 208.31 of title 8, Code of Federal Regulations.
(5) STANDARD- The term `standard' means any policy, procedure, or other requirement.
SEC. 142. RECORDING EXPEDITED REMOVAL INTERVIEWS.
(a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall establish quality assurance procedures and take steps to effectively ensure that questions by employees of the Department exercising expedited removal authority under section 235(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(b) FACTORS RELATING TO SWORN STATEMENTS- Where practicable, as determined by the Secretary in his discretion, any sworn or signed written statement taken of an alien as part of the record of a proceeding under section 235(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(c) EXEMPTION AUTHORITY-
(1) IN GENERAL- Subsection (b) sha1l not apply to interviews that occur at facilities, locations, or areas exempted by the Secretary pursuant to this subsection.
(2) EXEMPTION- The Secretary or the Secretary's designee may exempt any facility, location, or area from the requirements of this section based on a determination by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee that compliance with subsection (b) at that facility would impair operations or impose undue burdens or costs.
(3) REPORT- The Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall report annually to Congress on the facilities that have been exempted pursuant to this subsection.
(d) INTERPRETERS- The Secretary shall ensure that a competent interpreter, not affiliated with the government of the country from which the alien may claim asylum, is used when the interviewing officer does not speak a language understood by the alien and there is no other Federal, State, or local government employee available who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially.
(e) RECORDINGS IN IMMIGRATION PROCEEDINGS- Recordings of interviews of aliens subject to expedited removal shall be included in the record of proceeding and may be considered as evidence in any further proceedings involving the alien.
(f) NO PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION- Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any right, benefit, trust, or responsibility, whether substantive or procedural, enforceable in law or equity by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any person, nor does this section create any right of review in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding.
SEC. 143. OPTIONS REGARDING DETENTION DECISIONS.
Section 236 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) in the first sentence by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary of Homeland Security'; and
(ii) in the second sentence by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary'; and
(II) by striking `or' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking `but' at the end; and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
`(C) the alien's own recognizance; or
`(D) a secure alternatives program as provided for in this section; but';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary' each place it appears; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting `or for humanitarian reasons,' after `such an investigation,'; and
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking `Attorney General' and inserting `Secretary';
(B) in paragraph (1), in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking `Service' each place it appears and inserting `Department of Homeland Security'; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking `Service' and inserting `Secretary of Homeland Security'.
SEC. 144. REPORT TO CONGRESS ON PAROLE PROCEDURES AND STANDARDIZATION OF PAROLE PROCEDURES.
(a) IN GENERAL- The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly conduct a review and report to the appropriate Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives within 180 days of the date of enactment of this Act regarding the effectiveness of parole and custody determination procedures applicable to aliens who have established a credible fear of persecution and are awaiting a final determination regarding their asylum claim by the immigration courts. The report shall include the following:
(1) An analysis of the rate at which release from detention (including release on parole) is granted to aliens who have established a credible fear of persecution and are awaiting a final determination regarding their asylum claim by the immigration courts throughout the United States, and any disparity that exists between locations or geographical areas, including explanation of the reasons for this disparity and what actions are being taken to have consistent and uniform application of the standards for granting parole.
(2) An analysis of the effect of the procedures and policies applied with respect to parole and custody determinations both by the Attorney General and the Secretary on the alien's pursuit of their asylum claim before an immigration court.
(3) An analysis of the effect of the procedures and policies applied with respect to parole and custody determinations both by the Attorney General and the Secretary on the alien's physical and psychological well-being.
(4) An analysis of the effectiveness of the procedures and policies applied with respect to parole and custody determinations both by the Attorney General and the Secretary in securing the alien's presence at the immigration court proceedings.
(b) RECOMMENDATIONS- The report shall include recommendations with respect to whether the existing parole and custody determination procedures applicable to aliens who have established a credible fear of persecution and are awaiting a final determination regarding their asylum claim by the immigration courts should be modified in order to ensure a more consistent application of these procedures in a way that both respects the interests of aliens pursuing valid claims of asylum and ensures the presence of the aliens at the immigration court proceedings.
SEC. 145. LEGAL ORIENTATION PROGRAM.
(a) IN GENERAL- The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall ensure that all detained aliens in immigration and asylum proceedings receive legal orientation through a program administered and implemented by the Executive Office for Immigration Review of the Department of Justice.
(b) CONTENT OF PROGRAM- The legal orientation program developed pursuant to this section shall be based on the Legal Orientation Program carried out by the Executive Office for Immigration Review on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) EXPANSION OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE- The Secretary shall ensure the expansion through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service of public-private partnerships that facilitate pro bono counseling and legal assistance for aliens awaiting a credible fear of persecution interview or an interview related to a reasonable fear of persecution or torture determination under section 241(b)(3).
SEC. 146. CONDITIONS OF DETENTION.
(a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall ensure that standards governing conditions and procedures at detention facilities are fully implemented and enforced, and that all detention facilities comply with the standards.
(b) PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS- The Secretary shall promulgate new standards, or modify existing detention standards, to comply with the following policies and procedures:
(1) FAIR AND HUMANE TREATMENT- Procedures to prevent detainees from being subject to degrading or inhumane treatment such as physical abuse, sexual abuse or harassment, or arbitrary punishment.
(2) LIMITATIONS ON SOLITARY CONFINEMENT- Procedures limiting the use of solitary confinement, shackling, and strip searches of detainees to situations where the use of such techniques is necessitated by security interests, the safety of officers and other detainees, or other extraordinary circumstances.
(3) INVESTIGATION OF GRIEVANCES- Procedures for the prompt and effective investigation of grievances raised by detainees.
(4) ACCESS TO TELEPHONES- Procedures permitting detainees sufficient access to telephones, and the ability to contact, free of charge, legal representatives, the immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Federal courts through confidential toll-free numbers.
(5) LOCATION OF FACILITIES- Location of detention facilities, to the extent practicable, near sources of free or low-cost legal representation with expertise in asylum or immigration law.
(6) PROCEDURES GOVERNING TRANSFERS OF DETAINEES- Procedures governing the transfer of a detainee that take into account--
(A) the detainee's access to legal representatives; and
(B) the proximity of the facility to the venue of the asylum or removal proceeding.
(7) QUALITY OF MEDICAL CARE-
(A) IN GENERAL- Essential medical care provided promptly at no cost to the detainee, including dental care, eye care, mental health care, and where appropriate, individual and group counseling, medical dietary needs, and other medically necessary specialized care. Medical facilities in all detention facilities used by the Department maintain current accreditation by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). Requirements that each medical facility that is not accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) will seek to obtain such accreditation. Maintenance of complete medical records for every detainee which shall be made available upon request to a detainee, his legal representative, or other authorized individuals.
(B) EXCEPTION- A detention facility that is not operated by the Department of Homeland Security or by a private contractor on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security shall not be required to maintain current accreditation by the NCCHC or to seek accreditation by the JCAHO.
(8) TRANSLATION CAPABILITIES- The employment of detention facility staff that, to the extent practicable, are qualified in the languages represented in the population of detainees at a detention facility, and the provision of alternative translation services when necessary.
(9) RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES- Frequent access to indoor and outdoor recreational programs and activities.
(c) Special Standards for Noncriminal Detainees- The Secretary shall promulgate new standards, or modifications to existing standards, that--
(1) recognize the distinctions between persons with criminal convictions or a history of violent behavior and all other detainees; and
(2) ensure that procedures and conditions of detention are appropriate for a noncriminal, nonviolent population.
(d) SPECIAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC POPULATIONS- The Secretary shall promulgate new standards, or modifications to existing standards, that--
(1) recognize the unique needs of--
(A) victims of persecution, torture, trafficking, and domestic violence;
(B) families with children;
(C) detainees who do not speak English; and
(D) detainees with special religious, cultural, or spiritual considerations; and
(2) ensure that procedures and conditions of detention are appropriate for the populations described in paragraph (1).
(e) TRAINING OF PERSONNEL-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall ensure that personnel in detention facilities are given specialized training to better understand and work with the population of detainees held at the facilities where such personnel work. The training should address the unique needs of--
(A) aliens who have established credible fear of persecution;
(B) victims of torture or other trauma and victims of persecution, trafficking, and domestic violence; and
(C) families with children, detainees who do not speak English, and detainees with special religious, cultural, or spiritual considerations.
(2) SPECIALIZED TRAINING- The training required by this subsection shall be designed to better enable personnel to work with detainees from different countries, and detainees who cannot speak English. The training shall emphasize that many detainees have no criminal records and are being held for civil violations.
(f) NO PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION- Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any right, benefit, trust, or responsibility, whether substantive or procedural, enforceable in law or equity by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any person, nor does this section create any right of review in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding.
SEC. 147. OFFICE OF DETENTION OVERSIGHT.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE-
(1) IN GENERAL- There shall be established within the Department an Office of Detention Oversight (in this section referred to as the `Office').
(2) HEAD OF THE OFFICE- There shall be at the head of the Office an Administrator. At the discretion of the Secretary, the Administrator of the Office shall be appointed by, and shall report to, either the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Office shall be independent of the Office of Detention and Removal Operations, but shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
(3) SCHEDULE- The Office shall be established and the Administrator of the Office appointed not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE-
(1) INSPECTIONS OF DETENTION CENTERS- The Administrator of the Office shall--
(A) undertake regular and, where appropriate, unannounced inspections of all detention facilities;
(B) develop a procedure for any detainee or the detainee's representative to file a confidential written complaint directly with the Office; and
(C) report to the Secretary and to the Assistant Secretary all findings of a detention facility's noncompliance with detention standards.
(2) INVESTIGATIONS- The Administrator of the Office shall--
(A) initiate investigations, as appropriate, into allegations of systemic problems at detention facilities or incidents that constitute serious violations of detention standards;
(B) conduct any review or audit relating to detention as directed by the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary;
(C) report to the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary the results of all investigations, reviews, or audits; and
(D) refer matters, where appropriate, for further action to--
(i) the Department of Justice;
(ii) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department;
(iii) the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the Department; or
(iv) any other relevant office or agency.
(3) REPORT TO CONGRESS-
(A) IN GENERAL- The Administrator of the Office shall submit to the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives an annual report on the Administrator's findings on detention conditions and the results of the completed investigations carried out by the Administrator.
(B) CONTENTS OF REPORT- Each report required by subparagraph (A) shall include--
(i) a description of--
(I) each detention facility found to be in noncompliance with the standards for detention required by this subtitle; and
(II) the actions taken by the Department to remedy any findings of noncompliance or other identified problems; and
(ii) information regarding whether such actions were successful and resulted in compliance with detention standards.
(c) COOPERATION WITH OTHER OFFICES AND AGENCIES- Whenever appropriate, the Administrator of the Office shall cooperate and coordinate its activities with--
(1) the Office of the Inspector General of the Department;



