Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act of 2019
- Last Action
- 5/20/2019
Actions
- 2019-05-20Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
- 2019-05-09Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3666)
- 2019-05-07Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations.
- 2019-04-30Referred 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.
- 2019-04-30Referred 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.
- 2019-04-30Introduced in House
- 2019-04-30Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2019-04-30 (00)
Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act of 2019
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish standards for facilities holding aliens in its custody, phases out using non-DHS facilities for such purposes, and contains other related provisions.
The standards shall comply with the American Bar Association's Civil Immigration Detention Standards. The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) shall conduct periodic unannounced inspections of each facility and shall take various actions against noncompliant facilities, including imposing fines, cancelling contracts, and closing facilities.
DHS shall report to Congress any death of an alien in its custody within 24 hours and conduct an investigation within 30 days that identifies policy changes that could reduce the likelihood of such a death.
DHS is prohibited from entering into contracts for third parties to operate detention facilities and shall terminate existing contracts within three years of the bill's enactment.
The bill establishes that OIG facility inspection reports and contracts for an outside entity to operate a detention facility are records available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act.
DHS shall maintain certain information relating to detained aliens, including the alien's location and whether the alien was separated from family.
The bill provides for various requirements and procedures related to detaining aliens, including (1) prohibiting DHS from detaining children, (2) imposing a presumption that an alien should be released, and (3) establishing that aliens in custody shall be subject to the least restrictive conditions. The bill also abolishes mandatory detention for asylum seekers.
Cosponsors (20)
- ADAM SMITH (D-WA)
- Joaquin Castro (D-TX)
- David Cicilline (D-RI)
- Suzan DelBene (D-WA)
- Val Demings (D-FL)
- Theodore Deutch (D-FL)
- Jesus Garcia (D-IL)
- Debra Haaland (D-NM)
- Henry Johnson (D-GA)
- Derek Kilmer (D-WA)
- BARBARA LEE (D-CA)
- JOHN LEWIS (D-GA)
- ZOE LOFGREN (D-CA)
- JERROLD NADLER (D-NY)
- GRACE NAPOLITANO (D-CA)
- Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
- Scott Peters (D-CA)
- Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
- Mark Pocan (D-WI)
- BOBBY RUSH (D-IL)
Subjects
- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Administrative remedies
- Border security and unlawful immigration
- Child safety and welfare
- Civil actions and liability
- Congressional oversight
- Correctional facilities and imprisonment
- Crime victims
- Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
- Department of Homeland Security
- Detention of persons
- Disability and paralysis
- Evidence and witnesses
- Freedom of information
- Government buildings, facilities, and property
- Government information and archives
- Government studies and investigations
- Immigration status and procedures
- Mental health
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.