ICE/CBP Custody Standards (H.R. 7335)

Summary

Requires immigration agencies to provide health screenings, clean water, food, and safe shelter to people in their custody to ensure humane treatment.

What problem does this solve?

People held by immigration authorities sometimes face unsafe and unhealthy conditions without proper medical care. This bill creates clear rules for health screenings, food, water, and shelter to make sure everyone is treated humanely.

What does this bill do?

Mandatory initial health screenings

Requires every person taken into custody to receive an in-person health screening from a licensed medical professional within 12 hours of arrival, or 6 hours for high-priority individuals like children or pregnant women.

Sets standards for water, sanitation, and hygiene

Guarantees access to at least one gallon of drinking water per day, a set number of toilets per person, daily showers, and necessary hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, and diapers.

Establishes food and nutrition rules

Requires three meals per day with a minimum of 2,000 calories for adults. It also requires that food be prepared safely and that special dietary needs are met.

Defines safe shelter conditions

Requires facilities to be kept between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, be well lit and ventilated, and not be overcrowded. It also requires families to be kept together when possible.

Requires unannounced inspections

Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to conduct surprise inspections of detention facilities to check for compliance with these new standards.

Mandates public reporting of sexual abuse complaints

Requires the Department of Homeland Security to publicly release data every three months on complaints of sexual abuse at ICE and CBP facilities.

Guarantees facility access for members of Congress

States that members of Congress cannot be denied entry into any facility owned or operated by ICE or CBP.

Requires training for ICE and CBP personnel

Ensures that staff at detention facilities are trained in humanitarian standards, how to spot signs of illness, and how to identify and report child sexual exploitation.

Who does this affect?

Immigrants and asylum seekers in federal custody
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures humane treatment

Establishes basic, legally required standards for health, safety, and dignity for all individuals held in immigration custody, addressing concerns about poor conditions in detention facilities.

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Increases government oversight

Creates more transparency by requiring unannounced inspections, public reports on sexual abuse, and a government study on how well the new rules are being followed.

When does this start?

The new rules must be put in place within six months after the bill becomes law, with several other deadlines for planning and reporting.

Implementation plan

Within 60 days of the bill becoming law, the Secretary of Homeland Security must give Congress a detailed plan for how the new rules will be carried out.

Public data on sexual abuse

Within 90 days, the government must start publishing quarterly data on complaints of sexual abuse in ICE and CBP facilities.

Full implementation

All requirements of the law must be fully in place no later than 6 months after it is enacted.

GAO study begins

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must begin a study on how the new law is being implemented within 6 months.

GAO report to Congress

The GAO must submit its report to Congress on the results of its study no later than one year after the law is enacted.