Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act
House Bill Would Set Minimum Health and Living Standards for ICE and CBP Detainees
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress proposes new rules requiring ICE and Border Patrol to provide medical screenings for all detainees. Most people would get a checkup within 12 hours, but children, pregnant women, and the elderly would be seen within 6 hours to identify urgent health needs.
- The bill sets specific standards for basic needs, including at least one gallon of drinking water per day, three meals totaling at least 2,000 calories for adults, and daily access to private showers and hygiene products like soap and toothbrushes.
- Facilities would be required to keep living areas at a comfortable temperature between 68 and 74 degrees. It also limits overcrowding and requires that families stay together unless there is a safety concern.
- To prevent abuse, the policy requires video cameras in detention areas and mandates that the footage be saved for 90 days. It also ensures that detainees have access to interpreters, including those who speak indigenous languages.
- Government inspectors would be required to perform unannounced visits to check if facilities are following these rules. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security would have to publish regular reports on any complaints of sexual abuse at these locations.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Green card holders who are detained by ICE or CBP, such as during deportation proceedings, would be entitled to the same medical screenings, food, water, hygiene, and shelter standards established by this bill. While fewer green card holders are typically in detention compared to undocumented individuals, those who are would see meaningful improvements in their treatment.
Disabilities
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2018)
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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