Respect for Local Communities Act

Local consent before new ICE sites

If enacted, the bill would define which local leaders must sign before new ICE processing sites can move forward. It would define a "new processing site or detention center" as any facility run by or under contract with ICE, including Detention Reengineering Initiative sites, that begins holding people on or after enactment. The bill would require the agency to publish a Federal Register notice open at least 30 days that describes the project, the agency's due diligence, compliance with detention guidance and environmental rules, an economic impact analysis, and an engineering review of waste exportation, water use, and electrical demand. After the comment period, the agency head would have to respond to significant comments, enter a signed written agreement with the mayor or county executive (or equivalent), a majority of the local council, and the State Governor, send the executed agreement to specified congressional committees, and wait at least 30 days after that submission before proceeding.