What does Preamble of HR 6397 do?

This bill aims to establish standards for facilities where aliens are detained by the Department of Homeland Security. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 3, 2025.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 6397 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Appropriate committees of Congress” are specifically defined as four congressional committees. The term “Department” refers to the Department of Homeland Security. The term “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Homeland Security.

What does STANDARDS FOR DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DETENTION of HR 6397 do?

The Secretary must establish detention standards within 1 year Standards must provide minimum protections for detainees Standards are based on American Bar Association's Civil Immigration Detention Standards The Secretary must review and update standards biennially

What does OVERSIGHT AND TRANSPARENCY. of HR 6397 do?

This section establishes oversight and transparency requirements for facilities detaining aliens in the custody of the Department. The Inspector General must conduct unannounced, in-person inspections of each facility at least annually to ensure compliance with standards established under section 4. Inspection reports must be submitted to the Secretary and made publicly available online. If a facility fails to comply with standards, the Secretary must take corrective action, including imposing fines on non-Department-owned facilities or issuing warnings and requiring remedial measures for Department-owned facilities. Subsequent failures trigger further actions, such as transferring detainees and terminating contracts for non-Department-owned facilities, or suspending facility use for Department-owned facilities. The Secretary must notify Congress within 24 hours of an alien's death in custody and conduct an investigation within 30 days, including a root cause analysis and a public report. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress detailing inspections, oversight, and remedial actions taken. The Department must maintain a publicly accessible website with detailed information about each detention facility, including capacity, detainee numbers, compliance status, and contract details. The online detainee locator system must be updated within 12 hours of significant events, such as custody changes or transfers. The Department must collect and maintain comprehensive information for each alien in custody, including demographic data, legal status, and transfer history.

What does CIVIL ACTIONS. of HR 6397 do?

This section outlines civil actions related to violations of standards established under section 4. An individual detained in a facility required to comply with those standards may file a claim in district court if injured by a violation. The court can order injunctive relief and compensatory damages in such cases. The prevailing party in a civil action may be awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs.

What does DETENTION FACILITY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE. of HR 6397 do?

This section restricts the construction or expansion of alien detention facilities, requiring notification to Congress and public availability of related information. It phases out the use of private, for-profit detention facilities and nonresidential detention-related programs within three years of the Act's enactment. After three years, detention facilities must be owned and operated by the Department, while nonresidential programs must be owned and operated by a nonprofit organization or the Department. The Secretary must develop and publicly release an implementation plan for these changes within 60 days of the Act's enactment. All detention facilities must have indoor, climate-controlled visitor waiting and security screening areas.

What does APPEARANCE OF DETAINED ALIENS FOR OTHER LEGAL MATTERS. of HR 6397 do?

The Secretary must establish rules for detained aliens Detained aliens must be transported to court for other matters Transportation is by a Department officer or employee

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Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act — HR. 6397

Last updated: 12/3/2025 · Introduced: 12/3/2025

Author: Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill mandates the Department of Homeland Security to establish and regularly update minimum standards for the treatment of immigrants in detention, based on American Bar Association guidelines.
The bill increases transparency and oversight of detention facilities by requiring annual inspections, public reporting of facility information, and prompt notification to Congress regarding detainee deaths.
The Act restricts the construction of new detention facilities, phases out the use of private, for-profit facilities, and requires the Department to transport detained individuals to court for legal matters.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3702(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 12 more.

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