120+ House Democrats back Jayapal immigration detention reform bill

After more than 120 House Democrats signed a top progressive lawmaker’s bill to seek what they describe as “dignity” for those in federal immigration detention, critics raised alarm that the legislation could forever change the treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., is spearheading the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act with Rep. Adam Smith, an Evergreen State Legislator and the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee; They say it would prevent a “shocking increase” in alleged wrongful detentions and inappropriate conditions, particularly in prisons run by private companies under government contract.

Critics vociferously objected to the connotation in exclusive comments to Fox News Digital Friday.

“This legislation is not intended to improve conditions for immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system — instead it would end the federal government’s ability to fully enforce immigration law,” warned members of Day 1 Alliance, the main trade association that long represents federal and state contractors in criminal justice and immigration.

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Day 1 Alliance members said that for more than three decades, both Republican and Democratic congresses and administrations have respected the “limited but valuable” role their members play in working toward a better immigration enforcement system.

The Dignity of Detained Immigrants Act would lead to the elimination of mandatory detention for those apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and create a presumption of release that places a higher burden of proof on detaining primary caregivers and “vulnerable populations,” according to a brief published by Jayapal.

Additionally, the use of private detention facilities in which Day 1 Alliance members may work in or with will also be phased out by approximately 2029.

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In an apparent response to Democrats barring them from ICE facilities in early 2025 — including a case in Newark, New Jersey, in which Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., is accused of charging officers with charges — it would also require the Department of Homeland Security to admit members of Congress into detention facilities for unannounced inspections.

Another case in Baltimore involved the city’s congressman, Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume, joining others downtown to protest the press over not being allowed full access to Charm City’s Department of Homeland Security installation.

“Contractors operate under strict federal oversight and standards set by the U.S. Congress,” members of the Day 1 Alliance told Fox News Digital regarding the implications of the proposed changes.

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According to the Department of Homeland Security, the rate of ICE deaths in custody is less than 1%; This is lower than previous administrations’ records. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

“They do not make arrests, do not decide the length of detention, and play no role in determining the legal status of individuals in their care.”

Members said contractors are working to provide decent housing, decent food, and quality medical care to everyone in their wards.

Meanwhile, Jayapal said Thursday that the Trump administration has caused “a shocking increase in the detention of people who have committed no crime.”

“The situation will continue to get worse as Trump blocks legal pathways and makes it nearly impossible to come to or stay in this country, even for those who have been here for decades,” Jayapal said. “We must pass this legislation to protect dignity and human rights in America.”

Smith added that the United States has witnessed “horrific conditions” and “blatant disregard for basic human rights” of detainees.

“No one should be subjected to overcrowded cells, denied medical care, or held in facilities that exploit people’s suffering,” he said, echoing his neighbor in Seattle when he said the bill would provide appropriate oversight.

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Homeland Security officials torched the new bill later Friday, as Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital that Jayapal’s allegations of overcrowding, mistreatment and unfair detention were “false.”

“ICE’s detention standards are higher than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens,” he said.

“It is a long-standing practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody,” he continued. “This includes medical, dental and mental health screening within 12 hours of arrival at each detention facility, a full health evaluation within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arriving at a facility, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. This is the best healthcare many aliens have received in their lifetimes. Meals are approved by dietitians.”

McLaughlin added that the ICE death rate in custody is less than 1%, which is lower than previous administrations’ records.

He praised the “big, beautiful bill” from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for helping ICE improve detention conditions since President Donald Trump took office.

“Ensuring the safety, security and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE,” he said.

A statement from Jayapal’s office said 66,000 people had been detained since Trump took office, claiming that almost three-quarters had no criminal convictions; Immigration officials themselves denied this claim.

There were 123 Democratic co-sponsors on the list, including several lawmakers representing areas that ICE and USBP have designated for mass enforcement activities.

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Reps. Alma Adams of Charlotte, Troy Carter of New Orleans, Steve Cohen of Memphis, Tennessee, Jesus Garcia of Chicago, Robin Kelly of Chicago, Bennie Thompson of Jackson, Mississippi, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Ted Lieu of Los Angeles are among the more than a hundred signers of the bill.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Jayapal, Smith and the Department of Homeland Security for additional comment on the pushback.