Summary
Sets a 12-hour limit for holding people in short-term immigration facilities and makes sure they are kept in safe and clean conditions with food and water.
What problem does this solve?
People were being held for too long in immigration facilities that are only meant for short stays, which is not good for their well-being. This bill brings back a 12-hour time limit for these stays and adds rules to make sure people are treated humanely and the government reports on any exceptions.
What does this bill do?
Establishes a 12-hour detention limit
Prohibits holding a person in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) short-term facility for more than 12 hours, except in special cases.
Mandates humane conditions
Requires facilities to be safe and clean, and to provide detainees with meals every 6 hours, constant access to drinking water, and special food for minors and pregnant women.
Requires documentation and reporting
Forces the government to document every time someone is held longer than 12 hours, keep these records for 5 years, and report them to Congress annually.
Defines 'Exceptional circumstances'
Lists specific reasons the 12-hour limit can be exceeded, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or transportation delays outside of government control.
Who does this affect?
- Immigrants and asylum seekers
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel
What is the real world impact?
•
Ensures humane treatment of detainees
Restores a 12-hour limit on how long people can be held in short-term facilities. This prevents them from being kept in places not designed for long stays, which can be bad for their health and safety.
When does this start?
This bill would take effect as soon as it is signed into law.