What does Preamble of KIDS Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To limit the Department of Homeland Security from detaining children and individuals with a cognitive disability and to prohibit immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations without a court-issued criminal warrant,' aims to restrict the Department of Homeland Security's actions. The bill proposes limiting DHS detention of children. The bill proposes limiting DHS detention of individuals with a cognitive disability. The bill seeks to prohibit immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations without a court-issued criminal warrant.

What does SHORT TITLES. of KIDS Act do?

This Act is formally titled the Keeping Immigrants and Destinations Safe Act or the KIDS Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of KIDS Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Child” is defined according to section 101(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. “Cognitive disability” is defined similarly to the Americans with Disabilities Act, referring to a mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities. “Department” refers to the Department of Homeland Security. “Primary caregiver” is defined as a noncitizen parent or legal guardian who is the primary caretaker of minor children, potentially involved in family court proceedings. “Sensitive location” is broadly defined as any physical space within 1,000 feet of various locations including medical facilities, schools, recreational facilities, disaster relief sites, organizations assisting vulnerable populations, places of worship, courthouses, government offices, and more. The definition of “sensitive location” includes places providing disaster or emergency response and relief.

What does DETENTION OF CHILDREN. of KIDS Act do?

This section limits the Department's ability to detain children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, and their primary caregivers. Detentions are generally prohibited except as provided in section 5. If a detention is permitted under section 5, the Department must confirm notification to a parent or legal guardian and report the detention to Congress within 24 hours. There is a presumption against detaining primary caregivers unless the Department Secretary documents clear and convincing evidence that release is unreasonable or impracticable. If a child or individual with a cognitive disability is detained in violation of subsection (a), the Department must prioritize their release to a parent, designated caregiver, child protective services, or HHS officials. The Department must recognize written instruments delegating caregiving authority, such as powers of attorney, for release purposes. The Department may verify caregiver identity or document authenticity, but verification cannot unreasonably delay release. All determinations must be guided by the best interests of the child or individual with a cognitive disability.

What does LIMITATION ON ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AT SENSITIVE LOCATIONS. of KIDS Act do?

This section limits the Department's ability to conduct immigration enforcement actions. Enforcement actions are generally prohibited within 1,000 feet of a sensitive location. Travel to, from, or attendance at sensitive locations is also considered an enforcement action occurring at a sensitive location.

What does EXCEPTION FOR CRIMINAL WARRANTS. of KIDS Act do?

This section clarifies that restrictions outlined in sections 3 and 4 do not apply to enforcement actions based on criminal warrants. Enforcement actions conducted under a criminal arrest warrant are exempt from the restrictions in sections 3 and 4. Enforcement actions conducted under a criminal search warrant are exempt from the restrictions in sections 3 and 4.

What does REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS. of KIDS Act do?

This section outlines remedies for violations of section 4. Information obtained through enforcement actions violating section 4 cannot be used in removal proceedings or to effectuate removal. A noncitizen subjected to removal proceedings due to a section 4 violation may file a motion to enforce the prohibition, potentially terminating the proceedings. Individuals detained in violation of section 4 must be released. Wrongfully detained individuals will be placed in section 240 proceedings, requiring the Department to demonstrate the individual's ineligibility for release with 'clear and convincing evidence'.

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KIDS Act

Last updated: 5/20/2026 · Introduced: 5/20/2026

Author: Michael Bennet (D-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill restricts the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) ability to detain children and individuals with cognitive disabilities, generally prohibiting such detentions except under specific circumstances.
Immigration enforcement actions are prohibited within 1,000 feet of designated 'sensitive locations,' such as schools, medical facilities, and places of worship.
The bill establishes remedies for violations of these restrictions, including preventing the use of illegally obtained information in removal proceedings and requiring the release of wrongfully detained individuals.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 9069(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short titles., and 5 more.

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