DHS Release Transparency Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9099
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-02: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T08:05:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation establishes requirements for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve transparency regarding the release of individuals from custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It focuses on enabling designated contacts to receive information about releases, with safeguards for language access and data use.
Key Provisions
- Designation of point of contact: When an individual is taken into CBP or ICE custody, DHS must offer the option to name a point of contact and provide their contact details for receiving updates.
- Notification requirement: Before releasing an individual (excluding those held only at a port of entry for less than 12 hours), DHS must notify the designated point of contact, making at least two attempts if needed.
- Language services: DHS must provide translation and interpretation in the preferred language for both the individual (when designating a contact) and the point of contact (when receiving notification).
- Data limitation: Information gathered under this process cannot be used for any enforcement actions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new mandatory procedures for notification and language support during custody and release processes. It creates obligations for DHS that did not previously exist in statute, shifting from optional or informal practices to required actions with specific timelines and protections.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: CBP and ICE would need to update operational protocols, train staff, and allocate resources for notifications and translation services.
- Citizens and individuals: Family members or other contacts could receive timely information about releases, potentially aiding coordination and reducing uncertainty.
- International relations: The measure may indirectly support communication for foreign nationals in custody, though it does not alter immigration enforcement or diplomatic processes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals detained by CBP or ICE.
- Designated points of contact (such as family or advocates).
- DHS components, including CBP and ICE.
- Congress, as the body overseeing DHS implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill emphasizes transparency in detention without creating new rights to release or altering custody standards. It includes an explicit limit on data use to address privacy concerns. No direct constitutional conflicts are evident in the text, and it maintains neutrality on enforcement policies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-02: 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.
- 2026-06-02: 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.
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- DHS Release Transparency Act — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (3 pages)