Respect for Local Communities Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7652
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-23: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T08:05:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, known as the Respect for Local Communities Act, seeks to restrict the Department of Homeland Security from starting new immigration processing sites or detention centers without first allowing public input, securing approval from state and local leaders, and notifying Congress in advance.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Public Notice Requirement: Before any construction, acquisition, renovation, or operation of a new facility, the relevant federal agency must publish a notice in the Federal Register. This notice must be open for public comments for at least 30 days and include details on the project's scope, compliance with immigration detention standards and environmental rules, an economic impact analysis, and an engineering review covering waste, water, and electricity needs.
- Agreement with Local and State Officials: After reviewing public comments, the agency head must consider significant feedback and obtain a signed written agreement from the local mayor or equivalent official, a majority of the local legislative body, and the state governor authorizing the activity.
- Congressional Notification: At least 30 days before proceeding, the agency must submit a report to specific Senate and House committees (including Homeland Security, Appropriations, and Judiciary committees) that includes the executed local agreement.
- Definitions: The bill defines "new processing site or detention center" as facilities used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold individuals temporarily during immigration removal processes, and "appropriate local government officials" as elected local leaders and a majority of the local legislative body.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This legislation adds new procedural hurdles for the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies when establishing immigration facilities. Previously, no such mandatory public comment period, local-state agreement, or advance congressional reporting was required under existing immigration detention laws.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The requirements could delay or complicate the Department of Homeland Security's ability to expand or operate immigration facilities, potentially affecting enforcement timelines.
- On Citizens: Residents near proposed sites would gain a formal opportunity to comment on projects, including economic and environmental effects.
- On International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which must follow the new rules.
- State governors and local elected officials, who gain veto-like authority through required agreements.
- Members of Congress and specific oversight committees, who receive advance reports.
- Communities and the general public in areas where new facilities are planned.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill emphasizes federalism by requiring state and local consent for federal actions on immigration facilities, which may raise questions about the balance of power between federal and local governments. It also introduces administrative procedures that could be subject to legal challenges if not followed, while promoting greater transparency in federal decision-making.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-23: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-02-23: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Respect for Local Communities Act — issued 2026-02-23 — PDF (5 pages)