Short-Term Holding Facility Standards Restoration Act.

This bill aims to restore the original intent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facilities by prohibiting their use for long-term custody. It explicitly defines short-term custody as detention not exceeding 12 hours, reflecting prior agency policy. This limitation is intended to ensure detainee welfare and align with the facilities' design for temporary processing rather than prolonged detention.

The legislation outlines specific exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or transportation delays, under which the 12-hour limit may be exceeded. Furthermore, it mandates that all holding facilities maintain humane conditions, providing safe, clean environments, regular meals, and constant access to drinking water, with special provisions for vulnerable populations like minors and pregnant women. To ensure adherence, the bill requires detailed documentation of any detention exceeding the short-term limit and mandates annual reports to Congress, alongside periodic audits by the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General.