Summary
Stops the government from holding children and people with thinking challenges and bans immigration arrests at places like schools, hospitals, and churches.
What problem does this solve?
Immigration arrests can happen at sensitive places like schools and hospitals, which can scare people away from getting help and can separate families. This bill creates safe zones where arrests can't happen without a criminal warrant and protects children and vulnerable adults from being held by immigration officers.
What does this bill do?
Prohibits detention of vulnerable individuals
Stops the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from detaining children, individuals with a cognitive disability, and their primary caregivers.
Creates 'sensitive location' safe zones
Bans immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of many places, including schools, hospitals, churches, courthouses, and public demonstration sites.
Establishes remedies for violations
Prevents information gathered during an illegal enforcement action from being used in removal proceedings and requires the release of anyone wrongfully detained.
Requires warrant for exceptions
Allows detention of protected individuals or enforcement at sensitive locations only if officers have a criminal arrest or search warrant issued by a court.
Mandates congressional reporting
Requires DHS to report to Congress within 24 hours any time a child or individual with a cognitive disability is taken into custody under the warrant exception.
Protects primary caregivers
Creates a strong assumption that primary caregivers of children or disabled individuals should not be detained unless the government proves their release is not possible.
Who does this affect?
- Immigrant children and families
- Immigrants with cognitive disabilities
- Department of Homeland Security officers
What is the real world impact?
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Protects vulnerable people and families
Aims to prevent the trauma of detention for children and individuals with cognitive disabilities. It also keeps families together by making it harder to detain primary caregivers, ensuring children are not left without their parents.
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Ensures access to essential services
Creates 'safe zones' around schools, hospitals, and churches so immigrants can access education, healthcare, and community support without fear of being arrested or deported.
When does this start?
This bill would go into effect as soon as it is signed into law, but it includes a specific reporting deadline.
Congressional reporting on detentions
Requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress no later than 24 hours after taking a child or individual with a cognitive disability into custody.