Tuberville Introduces Kayla Hamilton Act to Strengthen Vetting of Unaccompanied Minors and Sponsors

October 23, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in introducing the Kayla Hamilton Act, a bill aimed at tightening federal oversight of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and the adults who sponsor them. The legislation, named in honor of Kayla Hamilton-a Maryland woman tragically killed by a 17-year-old MS-13 gang member who entered the U.S. as a UAC-seeks to prevent similar crimes by mandating comprehensive background checks and stricter placement protocols.

"Crimes that are committed by illegal aliens who shouldn't be here in the first place are 100% preventable," said Senator Tuberville. "Kayla Hamilton's story is yet another tragic example of the Biden administration prioritizing illegal aliens over the safety of American citizens. Our bill is a crucial step in the right direction to ensure crimes like this never happen again."

What the Bill Would Do

The Kayla Hamilton Act would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on both unaccompanied minors and their potential sponsors before placement. The legislation also bars the release of any UAC into the custody of individuals with criminal records or undocumented immigration status-including any adult residing in the sponsor's household.

Key provisions include:

• Mandatory background and security checks on UACs and all adults in the sponsor's household

• Prohibition of placement with individuals who have criminal histories or are unlawfully present in the U.S.

• Requirement for UACs to attend all immigration and judicial proceedings

• Placement of UACs in secure facilities if they pose a danger, are flight risks, or have committed serious crimes

• Collection of criminal records from the UAC's country of origin or last habitual residence

• Screening of UACs over age 12 for gang-related tattoos and markings

• Collection of detailed sponsor information, including immigration status, names, Social Security numbers, contact details, and household composition

Legislative Momentum

The bill has gained support from several Republican senators, including Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). In the House, Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) introduced the companion bill, which has already passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and awaits a floor vote.

Supporters argue the legislation is a necessary response to gaps in the current vetting process, which they say allowed violent offenders to be released into American communities. Critics of the current system point to the lack of coordination between federal agencies and foreign governments in tracking criminal histories of UACs.

Policy Context

The bill comes amid growing scrutiny of the federal government's handling of unaccompanied minors at the southern border. According to HHS data, tens of thousands of UACs are processed annually, many of whom are placed with sponsors without full background checks or follow-up monitoring.

The murder of Kayla Hamilton in 2022 drew national attention after it was revealed that her accused killer-a 17-year-old MS-13 member-had entered the country illegally and was released to a sponsor without adequate vetting. The case has since become a rallying point for lawmakers seeking reform.

Alabama's Role

Senator Tuberville, who serves on the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees, has made border security and immigration reform central to his legislative agenda. Senator Katie Britt, Alabama's junior senator, also signed on as a cosponsor, signaling bipartisan concern within the state's delegation.

The bill's introduction is likely to resonate with Alabama voters concerned about public safety, immigration enforcement, and federal accountability. If passed, the Kayla Hamilton Act would impose new standards on HHS and its Office of Refugee Resettlement, which oversees UAC placements.

Senator Tommy Tuberville is a 2026 candidate for Governor of Alabama.