HR 9361: Worst of the Worst Act

HR 9361 in plain English: This bill is early in the legislative process and detailed text is not yet available. Sponsor: Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5] (R) · Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Stated purpose

To require the Department of Homeland Security to build and maintain a public database listing information about non-citizens with criminal records who are released from immigration custody, including their photo, name, physical description, and where and when they were released.

Arguments supporters make

• Residents deserve to know when people with criminal records are released into their communities so they can make informed decisions about their safety.
• Making this information public creates accountability for immigration enforcement decisions and discourages the unnecessary release of dangerous individuals.
• A searchable, centralized database makes it easier for law enforcement and the public to locate individuals who may pose a continuing risk.

Arguments opponents make

• Publishing names, photos, and locations of individuals who have served their time could expose them to vigilante harassment or violence before any new wrongdoing occurs.
• The database could be misused to target immigrant communities broadly, fueling discrimination against people who have no connection to those listed.
• Critics argue that immigration release decisions already involve legal oversight, and a public shaming database adds punishment beyond what courts and immigration law authorize.

Tradeoffs

Giving the public more information about released individuals may increase community awareness of potential risks, but it also permanently and publicly labels people before any further harm occurs, raising questions about privacy, due process, and the potential for misuse of that information.

Current status in Congress: In committee.