KIDS Act

Key Points

• The bill prohibits DHS from detaining children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, or their primary caregivers in immigration enforcement, unless officers have a criminal warrant issued by a court.
• Immigration enforcement actions are banned within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations including schools, hospitals, churches, courthouses, libraries, playgrounds, shelters, polling places, and many other community spaces.
• If a child or disabled individual is detained in violation of the law, the government must prioritize their prompt release to a parent, legal guardian, designated caregiver, or child welfare authority, and must notify Congress within 24 hours.
• Evidence gathered during an illegal enforcement action at a sensitive location cannot be used in deportation proceedings, and wrongfully detained individuals must be released and given full removal hearings.
• The protections only give way when officers have a criminal arrest or search warrant signed by a judge, setting a high bar for enforcement at protected locations or against protected individuals.