Stop Inhumane Conditions in ICE Detention Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7347

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Immigration

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Stop Inhumane Conditions in ICE Detention Act of 2026" aims to improve health and safety conditions for noncitizens (individuals who are not U.S. citizens) held in immigration detention facilities operated by or under contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It establishes mandatory reporting, oversight, and complaint mechanisms to promote transparency, accountability, and humane treatment, addressing concerns about medical, dental, and mental health care.

Key Provisions

• Reporting System for Health Conditions (Section 2): Each detention facility must create an internet-accessible, near-real-time online system to track detainee health issues. This includes logging reports of diseases or injuries, diagnoses, prescribed treatments, and treatment outcomes. All facility staff must receive mandatory training on the system, with no exemptions allowed. The system applies to DHS-operated facilities, contracted facilities, and temporary holding spaces longer than 4 hours.

• Anonymous Complaint System (Section 3): DHS must set up a multilingual, anonymous reporting tool (via secure digital kiosks or toll-free hotlines) for detainees to report health concerns. Retaliation against reporters—such as harassment, denial of privileges, solitary confinement, or extra work—is prohibited and triggers an investigation by the DHS Inspector General or the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman within 14 days. Complainants receive a detailed report in their language, and findings of retaliation may be publicly released.

• Contract Review for Verified Complaints (Section 4): If three verified health complaints are confirmed at a facility by the Inspector General or Ombudsman, DHS must review and potentially terminate the facility's operating contract, publishing any termination decision.

• Annual Audits (Section 5): The DHS Inspector General must conduct yearly audits of health conditions in all covered facilities, focusing on gender-specific protections like menstrual care, pregnancy outcomes, and trauma-informed care (approaches sensitive to past trauma). Audit results are reported to Congress.

• Health Services Liaison (Section 6): Every facility must employ a full-time health services liaison dedicated solely to coordinating health and wellness programs, compiling data, and serving as the contact point for the Inspector General on health issues.

• Quarterly Reports (Section 7): Starting 15 months after enactment, DHS must publish and submit quarterly reports on detainee health conditions and complaints to the DHS website and relevant congressional committees (House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs).

• Congressional Access to Facilities (Section 8): Members of Congress and their designated staff (covered individuals) gain unhindered entry for oversight purposes without prior notice. DHS cannot limit access or make temporary changes to alter observations. Designated staff must provide 24 hours' notice.

• Definitions (Section 9): Key terms, such as "noncitizen," follow definitions from the Immigration and Nationality Act (the main U.S. law governing immigration).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new federal mandates not previously required under current immigration laws. It creates obligatory digital reporting systems, anonymous complaint channels with anti-retaliation protections, routine audits, dedicated health roles, and enhanced congressional access—shifting from voluntary or ad-hoc practices to enforceable standards. It also ties health complaints directly to potential contract terminations, increasing accountability for private facility operators.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will face increased administrative burdens, including system implementation, staff training, quarterly reporting, and responding to investigations. The Inspector General's office will require additional resources for audits and probes, potentially leading to more efficient health monitoring but higher operational costs.

• On Citizens and Detainees: Noncitizen detainees (primarily immigrants awaiting legal proceedings) will benefit from better-documented health care, easier reporting of issues, and protections against mistreatment, potentially reducing inhumane conditions. U.S. citizens, including advocacy groups, may gain indirect benefits through greater transparency via public reports.

• On International Relations: Improved oversight could enhance the U.S. image on human rights in immigration detention, addressing criticisms from international bodies like the United Nations. However, it might strain relations with countries whose nationals are detained if perceived as overly restrictive on operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Detainees: Noncitizens in DHS custody, who gain new tools for health reporting and protections.
• Facility Operators: Private companies and DHS-run facilities, subject to new systems, audits, and potential contract losses.
• DHS and ICE: Responsible for implementation, training, reporting, and compliance.
• Congressional Committees: House and Senate Homeland Security committees, which receive reports and oversight access.
• Oversight Bodies: DHS Inspector General and Immigration Detention Ombudsman, tasked with investigations and audits.
• Advocacy Groups and Health Providers: Indirectly involved through access to data and liaison roles.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The bill enforces accountability by linking complaints to contract terminations, potentially leading to more lawsuits if facilities challenge reviews. It builds on existing immigration laws by adding specific health mandates, which could set precedents for detainee rights under administrative law.

• Constitutional Implications: Enhances congressional oversight of executive branch facilities (Article I powers), aligning with due process protections under the Fifth Amendment for detainees. It may raise questions about balancing security needs with unannounced access, but prioritizes transparency without overriding habeas corpus (the right to challenge detention in court).

• Political Implications: Sponsored by a group of Democratic representatives, it reflects partisan priorities on immigration reform and humane treatment. If enacted, it could influence future funding debates for DHS and spark discussions on privatized detention, though it avoids broader policy changes like release alternatives.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

Cosponsors (43)

Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
• 2026-02-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
• 2026-02-04: 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.
• 2026-02-04: 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.
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Stop Inhumane Conditions in ICE Detention Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (7 pages)