The Stop ICE's Medical Neglect Act of 2026 requires the Department of Homeland Security to create an online system where detained individuals, their lawyers, or family members can confidentially report medical neglect at immigration detention facilities. Under this bill, an independent medical expert would review each complaint to determine if neglect occurred, ensuring necessary treatment is provided if the claim is valid while allowing for an appeal process if it is denied. The legislation also mandates that detainees cannot face retaliation for filing complaints or seeking medical care and must have access to language translation services. Additionally, the law defines specific criteria for what constitutes medical neglect, such as failures in providing timely care, medication management, or specialty referrals.
The PROKID Act establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsperson within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect immigrant children in government custody. This new office would have the authority to conduct regular unannounced site visits, investigate complaints of abuse or neglect, and advocate for the quickest possible release of detained children. To support these efforts, the bill requires the government to share real-time data on child locations and custody details with the ombudsperson while strictly prohibiting the use of this information for immigration enforcement. Additionally, the act creates an expert advisory committee to review facility compliance and mandates that the government publish monthly statistics on the number and length of time children are held in detention.
This bill directs the Small Business Administration to create educational resources for small business owners and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities during immigration enforcement actions. The SBA must develop online modules, a physical card, and planning guides that explain how to respond to searches or arrests, including the constitutional right to remain silent and consult a lawyer. These materials will be made available in English and the 15 most commonly spoken languages in the U.S., with content reviewed by legal experts and government agencies to ensure accuracy.
This bill establishes financial liability for private detention centers and their employees if they cause the wrongful death of a person held there. It allows families of deceased individuals to sue in federal court for at least $5 million in statutory damages plus economic and punitive damages. The law removes the ability of detention staff to use immunity defenses to avoid responsibility and holds the facility itself responsible for the actions of its workers. These rules apply specifically to private companies contracted by the federal government to detain people accused of breaking civil, criminal, or immigration laws.
The No PREJUDICE Act prohibits Department of Homeland Security officers from detaining, arresting, or investigating individuals based on their race, ethnicity, job, or use of a non-English language or an accented English. It specifically bans profiling at locations like bus stops or agricultural sites and forbids targeting people for hobbies or careers. If someone in immigration removal proceedings claims they were stopped for these reasons, they can request a court hearing to prove the violation. A judge who finds the profiling unlawful must dismiss the removal case, while the case continues only if no violation is found.
The Right to Learn Act of 2026 creates a grant program to help schools and community organizations support students and staff affected by immigration enforcement actions. Funds awarded by the Department of Education can be used to hire trauma-informed counselors, provide emergency assistance like food and legal referrals, and train educators on culturally responsive care. The bill strictly prohibits schools from collecting or sharing personal data about a student's immigration status and forbids denying services based on that status. Eligible recipients include public schools, early childhood programs, universities, and legal service providers, with a total funding authorization of $250 million over five years.
The Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2026 allows nationals of Haiti and their immediate family members who have lived continuously in the United States since June 26, 2024, to apply for permanent resident status. To qualify, applicants must submit their request within three years of the bill's enactment and generally cannot have been convicted of aggravated felonies, multiple crimes of moral turpitude, or acts of persecution. The bill also permits eligible individuals with existing deportation orders to apply without first overturning those orders and grants them work authorization while their applications are pending. Additionally, the legislation ensures that granting permanent residence to these applicants does not reduce the number of available immigrant visas for other categories.
This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status to nationals of Haiti. Under this provision, eligible Haitian immigrants would be allowed to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation until March 20, 2029. The legislation overrides other existing laws to ensure this designation remains in effect for the specified period.
The Land of the Free Act of 2026 amends federal immigration law to remove a specific ground for deportation related to protected speech activities. By striking a particular subsection of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill aims to prevent individuals from being deported solely for engaging in constitutionally protected expression. This change directly affects immigrants who might otherwise face removal proceedings based on their speech. The legislation does not alter other deportation criteria or create new categories of removable offenses.
The Governors' Right to Inspect Act of 2026 allows state governors and designated public health officials to enter federal immigration detention facilities to check conditions related to health, safety, sanitation, and medical care. This authority applies to all U.S. detention centers, whether run directly by the government or by private contractors, and permits inspectors to review records and interview detainees who wish to speak privately. While the law grants access to inspect physical conditions, it explicitly prevents state officials from interfering with immigration enforcement, custody decisions, or the release of any detained individuals. Facility operators must cooperate with these inspections, and governors may submit their findings to Congress and the public, requiring a response from the Department of Homeland Security within 60 days.
