Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act

Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act of 2023

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish standards for facilities holding non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) in its custody, phases out using non-DHS facilities for such purposes, and addresses related issues.

The standards must comply with the American Bar Association's Civil Immigration Detention Standards. The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) must conduct periodic unannounced inspections of each facility and take various actions against noncompliant facilities, including imposing fines, cancelling contracts, and closing facilities.

DHS must report to Congress any death of an individual 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 may not contract with third parties to operate detention facilities or alternatives to detention programs and must 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 must maintain certain information relating to immigration-related detention, including the detained individual's location and whether the individual was separated from family.

The bill provides for various requirements and procedures related to immigration-related detention, including (1) prohibiting DHS from detaining children, (2) imposing a presumption that a detained individual should be released, and (3) establishing that individuals in custody shall be subject to the least restrictive conditions. The bill also abolishes mandatory detention for asylum seekers.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2760, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of improving the treatment of immigrants who are detained by immigration authorities. The bill seeks to address various issues related to the detention of immigrants, including the conditions in detention facilities, access to legal representation, and the use of alternatives to detention.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of minimum standards for the treatment of detained immigrants, including access to adequate medical care, nutritious food, and clean living conditions. The bill also seeks to ensure that immigrants have access to legal representation and are provided with information about their rights while in detention.

Additionally, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act aims to promote the use of alternatives to detention, such as community-based supervision programs, in order to reduce the number of immigrants who are held in detention facilities. The bill also includes provisions to improve oversight and accountability within the immigration detention system. Overall, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is intended to protect the rights and dignity of immigrants who are detained by immigration authorities, and to ensure that they are treated humanely and fairly while in custody.