This bill seeks to re-establish the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. The original VOICE office was created in 2017 to support victims of crimes committed by criminal aliens but was terminated in 2021. The re-established office is specifically tasked with assisting victims, witnesses, and their legal representatives who have been impacted by crimes committed by aliens present in the United States without lawful immigration status. The duties of VOICE include adopting a victim-centered approach , promoting awareness of available services, and fostering collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders. The assistance provided will encompass a dedicated toll-free hotline , local contacts for specific requests, and access to social service professionals for referrals. Additionally, the office will help victims obtain automated custody status information and relevant criminal or immigration history pertaining to the alien involved. VOICE will also be required to publish quarterly reports to Congress and other officials detailing the effects of victimization by undocumented aliens.
Border security and unlawful immigrationCrime victimsImmigration status and proceduresSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
VOICE Restoration Act
USA119th CongressHR-47| House
| Updated: 1/3/2025
This bill seeks to re-establish the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a component of the Department of Homeland Security. The original VOICE office was created in 2017 to support victims of crimes committed by criminal aliens but was terminated in 2021. The re-established office is specifically tasked with assisting victims, witnesses, and their legal representatives who have been impacted by crimes committed by aliens present in the United States without lawful immigration status. The duties of VOICE include adopting a victim-centered approach , promoting awareness of available services, and fostering collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders. The assistance provided will encompass a dedicated toll-free hotline , local contacts for specific requests, and access to social service professionals for referrals. Additionally, the office will help victims obtain automated custody status information and relevant criminal or immigration history pertaining to the alien involved. VOICE will also be required to publish quarterly reports to Congress and other officials detailing the effects of victimization by undocumented aliens.