Criminal Justice & Public Safety

Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to §2L1.1 (Human Smuggling) Regarding Criminal Sexual Contact Enhancements

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) appreciates the opportunity to submit comments regarding the proposed amendments to the sentencing guideline at U.S.S.G. §2L1.1 addressing sexual abuse and criminal sexual contact during human smuggling offenses. The Commission’s request for comment on whether offenses involving criminal sexual contact under 18 U.S.C. § 2241-18 U.S.C. § 2244 should receive a sentencing enhancement, and what level that enhancement should be, raises a critically important issue involving the protection of vulnerable victims.

Comment to the USSC on Changes to the Definition of Career Offender

On behalf of America First Policy Institute (AFPI), I submit this response to the Sentencing Commission’s (“Commission”) request for comment on its proposed amendments to the Sentencing Guidelines in the Federal Register on February 6, 2026.1 Specifically, this comment will focus on the changes proposed to the definition and application of crimes of violence for purposes of designating a defendant as a “career offender” under Guideline §4B1.1.2

Minnesota Fails to Advance SNAP Reform Policy Amid Ongoing Fraud Concerns

Washington, D.C.— Zach Freimark, Executive Director of the America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) Minnesota Chapter, issued the following statement after Minnesota failed to advance policy that would have implemented income and asset verification measures for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

Solving Crime isn’t Complicated

Letter to Commonwealth’s Attorney Descano

We write with serious concern regarding recent reports about charging and plea decisions in Fairfax County that appear to reflect a troubling pattern of leniency toward repeat and violent offenders, with devastating consequences for public safety.