119-HR-5713 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A House bill would let Homeland Security detain and fast‑track the deportation of certain noncitizens tied to gangs or terrorism, or convicted of specific crimes, and would block them from a key protection against removal.

What It Does

H.R. 5713 (“Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act”) adds a new section to immigration law directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to hold and quickly remove noncitizens if DHS determines they are members of a criminal gang or a designated foreign terrorist organization (or have supported one), or if they have certain criminal convictions. Covered convictions include any felony; misdemeanors against defined “vulnerable” people (children under 16, pregnant women, people with severe disabilities, and adults over 65); assault on law enforcement; domestic violence; stalking; sexual offenses; crimes against children (including sex trafficking or abuse); sexual exploitation of minors; or violating a protection order. The bill also makes these individuals ineligible for “withholding of removal,” a protection that can stop deportation when someone faces severe harm if returned.

Who’s For It

• Primary sponsors: Reps. Brandon Gill (TX), Barry Moore (AL), Wesley Hunt (TX), Randy Fine (FL), Warren Davidson (OH), and Chip Roy (TX).
• Supporters argue the bill targets serious public‑safety threats and gives DHS clearer, faster tools to remove noncitizens who are gang‑involved, tied to terrorism, or convicted of harmful crimes.
• Backers generally include many House Republicans who prioritize stricter immigration enforcement and officer safety.

Who’s Against It

• Likely opposition from immigrant‑rights groups and many Democrats, who typically raise due‑process concerns about expanding “expedited removal,” which limits access to a full hearing before an immigration judge.
• Critics may argue the bill’s standards allow deportation based on DHS determinations of gang or terrorist affiliation without a criminal conviction, risking errors or profiling.
• Civil‑liberties advocates may object to barring “withholding of removal,” warning it could return people to countries where they face serious harm.

What’s Next

Status as of November 20, 2025: H.R. 5713 was introduced on October 8, 2025 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which held markups on November 18–19. The bill has not yet received a House floor vote; if it passes the House, it would move to the Senate next.