In House Committee·Last action 174 days ago

Bill would tighten immigration detention rules and phase out private centers

Officially: Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act

People in immigration custody would get faster custody hearings, stronger legal access, and more chances for release. The bill also sets national detention standards, adds public oversight, bans ICE from holding children, and ends private for-profit detention contracts over three years.

Use this page to support, oppose, or ask Congress to amend HR6397. Modern Action helps you understand the bill, find the right senators or representative, and generate a bill-specific message you can review before sending.

Where it stands

Sitting in the Judiciary

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

DHS would have to create binding detention rules within one year. Those rules must protect people at least as much as the American Bar Association’s 2012 and 2014 civil immigration detention standards, and DHS must update them at least every two years.
The DHS Inspector General would have to inspect every immigration detention site in person at least once a year without warning. The office would also have to post those inspection reports online.
Facilities with serious violations would face rising penalties. Private facilities could be fined at least 10 percent of the contract value, DHS-owned sites would need formal fix plans, and DHS could move detainees, end contracts, or stop using a site until compliance is certified.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Humanitarian Concerns: Supporters argue that the current detention system is dangerous and inhumane, with high numbers of deaths in custody highlighting the need for reform.
Cost Efficiency: Community-based alternatives are less expensive than detention, potentially saving taxpayer money while maintaining high court appearance rates.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups: The bill provides special protections for vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring they are not subjected to harmful practices like solitary confinement.

✕Arguments against

Weakening Enforcement: Opponents argue that ending mandatory detention could weaken immigration enforcement and make it harder to deport individuals who are in the country illegally.
Risk of Non-Compliance: Critics worry that reducing detention might lead to more people failing to appear for immigration proceedings, potentially allowing them to remain in the country undetected.
Loss of Detention Tools: Some believe that mandatory detention is a critical tool for immigration enforcement and that removing it could hinder effective management of immigration cases.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: 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. (12/3/2025)

DEC 3

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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For more detail

Read deeper

Questions people ask before contacting Congress

How do I support or oppose HR6397?

Choose one clear position: support, oppose, or amend. Then pick any reasons or personal context you want included. Modern Action uses that input and the bill context to draft a message you can review, edit, and send.

Who does Modern Action contact about this bill?

Congressional offices prioritize messages from their own constituents. Modern Action uses your address to route the generated message to your House representative when that is the most relevant target for this bill.

What does Modern Action include in the message?

The draft includes the bill number, your position, the reasons you selected, any personal context you added, and a direct ask such as voting yes, voting no, cosponsoring, opposing, or seeking changes. You stay in control because you review it before it sends.

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