DHS Community Consultation Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
Introduced
Summary
Centers community consultation and local-government control before DHS builds immigration detention facilities. It would require DHS to consult local officials and stakeholders, run a 60-day public comment period, assess impacts on health and infrastructure, set contagious-disease protocols with local health authorities, and prohibit converting warehouses or using military installations for detention.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Community consultation and disease plans
If enacted, the Secretary of Homeland Security would have to consult local governments, utilities, community leaders, public health authorities, and emergency responders before building or leasing any immigration detention facility. The Secretary would have to study likely effects on hospitals, emergency services, community health, water and wastewater systems (including water pressure and supply), power grids, and roads. The Secretary would have to hold a public meeting and open a 60-day public comment period and respond to comments. The Secretary would also have to work with local public health officials to make outbreak plans that cover treatment, care, containment, prevention, and notifying the local community.
Where DHS cannot build detention
If enacted, DHS would be barred from building or operating immigration detention facilities on U.S. military installations. DHS would not be allowed to convert existing non-housing buildings, like warehouses, storage facilities, or commercial spaces, into detention facilities. If a town issues an ordinance, proclamation, moratorium, or other official ban on detention construction, DHS could not build a detention facility there. These location and conversion rules would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
TX • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov