Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation, titled the "Governors' Right to Inspect Act of 2026," aims to enhance oversight of immigration detention facilities by authorizing state officials to conduct health and safety inspections. It grants Governors and their designated state public health or safety officials the right to enter and inspect any facility housing individuals in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security, including those operated by ICE or private contractors. The primary goal is to address concerns about the adequacy of medical care and conditions of confinement, which have been highlighted by a significant increase in detainee deaths and credible reports of poor conditions. During these inspections, authorized officials would have broad access to all areas of a facility , the ability to interview detainees privately, and the right to review health and safety records, including medical treatment logs and facility maintenance records. They may also document physical conditions through notes and photography, subject to reasonable security protocols established by the Secretary. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that these officials are not authorized to interfere with federal immigration enforcement operations, custody determinations, or removal proceedings. Following an inspection, Governors have the option to submit a detailed report to various congressional committees and the Secretary of Homeland Security, outlining observations, deficiencies, and recommendations for corrective action. The Department of Homeland Security is then mandated to respond to these reports within 60 days, verifying findings and detailing plans for implementing corrective actions. Both the Governors' reports and the Department's responses will be made publicly available online, ensuring transparency regarding conditions in these facilities.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Immigration
Governors’ Right to Inspect Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-4786| Senate
| Updated: 6/15/2026
This legislation, titled the "Governors' Right to Inspect Act of 2026," aims to enhance oversight of immigration detention facilities by authorizing state officials to conduct health and safety inspections. It grants Governors and their designated state public health or safety officials the right to enter and inspect any facility housing individuals in the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security, including those operated by ICE or private contractors. The primary goal is to address concerns about the adequacy of medical care and conditions of confinement, which have been highlighted by a significant increase in detainee deaths and credible reports of poor conditions. During these inspections, authorized officials would have broad access to all areas of a facility , the ability to interview detainees privately, and the right to review health and safety records, including medical treatment logs and facility maintenance records. They may also document physical conditions through notes and photography, subject to reasonable security protocols established by the Secretary. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that these officials are not authorized to interfere with federal immigration enforcement operations, custody determinations, or removal proceedings. Following an inspection, Governors have the option to submit a detailed report to various congressional committees and the Secretary of Homeland Security, outlining observations, deficiencies, and recommendations for corrective action. The Department of Homeland Security is then mandated to respond to these reports within 60 days, verifying findings and detailing plans for implementing corrective actions. Both the Governors' reports and the Department's responses will be made publicly available online, ensuring transparency regarding conditions in these facilities.