New Watchdog for Immigrant Children in Detention
A senate committee must act next: committee consideration.
While it focuses on child safety, immigration bills often struggle to pass without broad bipartisan support, which is currently rare for oversight measures.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
The bill defines 'immigrant child' as any alien under 18 in government custody, covering children held by ORR and DHS regardless of immigration status. It creates an independent watchdog to push for faster release, monitor conditions, and investigate abuse claims, which would give these children new layers of protection and oversight they currently lack.
“The term ``immigrant child'' means an alien (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a))) under the age of 18 years.”
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
As the Trump administration fights to overturn long-standing protections for children in immigration custody, lawmakers have introduced the PROKID Act to establish a permanent independent watchdog to monitor facility conditions and advocate for the swift release of minors to their families.
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Dick Durbin introduced the Protection of Kids in Immigrant Detention (PROKID) Act on July 22, 2026. The bill would create an independent Office of the Ombudsperson to oversee the care of children in government custody and ensure they are treated with compassion.
The PROKID Act, introduced this week, aims to codify an office under HHS responsible for ensuring immigrant children are held in the least restrictive settings. The watchdog would have the authority to investigate abuse and advocate for family reunification within 72 hours of apprehension.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
PROKID Act
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