Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act

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.