This bill, known as the "Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act," aims to establish and enforce comprehensive humanitarian standards for individuals held in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It mandates the development of guidelines for health screenings and appropriate medical care, along with provisions for basic necessities like water, food, and shelter. The legislation seeks to improve the conditions and treatment of detainees across various facilities. A core provision requires an initial in-person health screening by a licensed medical professional for all detainees within 12 hours of arrival, or within 6 hours for high-priority individuals such as pregnant individuals, children, the elderly, or those with acute medical conditions. These screenings must include vital signs, physical examinations, and risk assessments, ensuring necessary medication is not denied. Detainees identified as high-risk or with abnormal vital signs must receive prompt medical consultation and re-evaluation, with access to psychological assistance for those who have experienced trauma. The bill also sets specific standards for water, sanitation, and hygiene , including a minimum of one gallon of drinking water per person daily, adequate toilets, diaper changing facilities, daily bathing opportunities, and personal hygiene products. For food and nutrition , it mandates three meals per day, with calorie requirements of not less than 2,000 calories for adults and age-appropriate calories for children, accommodating dietary needs and restrictions. Regarding shelter , facilities must ensure separate detention for males and females (with exceptions for families), age-appropriate detention for minors, and accessible locations for detainees with disabilities. Other requirements include temperature-appropriate clothing and bedding, comfortable environmental conditions (68-74 degrees Fahrenheit), and access to the outdoors for detainees held over 48 hours. Facilities must also provide a private space for medical screenings, necessary medical equipment, and basic over-the-counter medications. To ensure proper implementation, the bill requires training for ICE and CBP personnel on humanitarian response protocols, indicators of illness, and child protection. It also mandates coordination with other federal agencies and healthcare professionals to address surge capacity. The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General is tasked with conducting unannounced inspections of facilities, paying particular attention to compliance with these new standards and the health needs of detainees. Additionally, the Comptroller General of the United States must conduct a study and report on the implementation and compliance with the Act. Finally, the bill requires the public release of aggregate data on sexual abuse complaints at ICE and CBP facilities quarterly, while protecting personally identifiable information. It also ensures that a "Detainee Bill of Rights" , including indigenous languages, is posted in all detainee areas. These measures aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and the overall humane treatment of individuals in custody.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred 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.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2018)
Introduced in House
Referred 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.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2018)
Immigration
Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act
USA119th CongressHR-7335| House
| Updated: 2/4/2026
This bill, known as the "Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act," aims to establish and enforce comprehensive humanitarian standards for individuals held in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It mandates the development of guidelines for health screenings and appropriate medical care, along with provisions for basic necessities like water, food, and shelter. The legislation seeks to improve the conditions and treatment of detainees across various facilities. A core provision requires an initial in-person health screening by a licensed medical professional for all detainees within 12 hours of arrival, or within 6 hours for high-priority individuals such as pregnant individuals, children, the elderly, or those with acute medical conditions. These screenings must include vital signs, physical examinations, and risk assessments, ensuring necessary medication is not denied. Detainees identified as high-risk or with abnormal vital signs must receive prompt medical consultation and re-evaluation, with access to psychological assistance for those who have experienced trauma. The bill also sets specific standards for water, sanitation, and hygiene , including a minimum of one gallon of drinking water per person daily, adequate toilets, diaper changing facilities, daily bathing opportunities, and personal hygiene products. For food and nutrition , it mandates three meals per day, with calorie requirements of not less than 2,000 calories for adults and age-appropriate calories for children, accommodating dietary needs and restrictions. Regarding shelter , facilities must ensure separate detention for males and females (with exceptions for families), age-appropriate detention for minors, and accessible locations for detainees with disabilities. Other requirements include temperature-appropriate clothing and bedding, comfortable environmental conditions (68-74 degrees Fahrenheit), and access to the outdoors for detainees held over 48 hours. Facilities must also provide a private space for medical screenings, necessary medical equipment, and basic over-the-counter medications. To ensure proper implementation, the bill requires training for ICE and CBP personnel on humanitarian response protocols, indicators of illness, and child protection. It also mandates coordination with other federal agencies and healthcare professionals to address surge capacity. The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General is tasked with conducting unannounced inspections of facilities, paying particular attention to compliance with these new standards and the health needs of detainees. Additionally, the Comptroller General of the United States must conduct a study and report on the implementation and compliance with the Act. Finally, the bill requires the public release of aggregate data on sexual abuse complaints at ICE and CBP facilities quarterly, while protecting personally identifiable information. It also ensures that a "Detainee Bill of Rights" , including indigenous languages, is posted in all detainee areas. These measures aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and the overall humane treatment of individuals in custody.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred 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.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2018)
Introduced in House
Referred 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.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2018)