120+ House Democrats back Jayapal immigration detention reform bill

After more than 120 House Democrats signed onto a bill introduced by a top progressive lawmaker to get what they define as “dignity” for federal immigration detainees, critics have sounded the alarm that the legislation could forever change how undocumented immigrants are treated in the United States.

representative. Pramila JayapalThe Washington state Democrat is leading the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, along with fellow Evergreen Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee — which they say would curb the “shocking rise” of alleged wrongful detentions and inadequate conditions, particularly in prisons run by private companies under government contracts.

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

“This legislation is not intended to improve conditions for immigrants navigating through the U.S. immigration system — instead, it would end the federal government’s actions.” Ability to enforce immigration law Members of the First Day Alliance, the main trade association representing longtime federal and international contractors in the areas of criminal justice and immigration, warned.

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Critics have sounded the alarm that the new Democratic legislation would forever change how illegal immigrants are treated in the United States. (Michael Nigro/Getty Images)

For more than three decades, Congress and Republican and Democratic administrations alike have respected the “limited but important” role their members play in working toward better, First Day Coalition members said. Immigration enforcement system.

The Dignity of Detained Immigrants Act would eliminate mandatory detention for those arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a summary published by Jayapal, and create a presumption of release, imposing a greater burden of proof for detaining essential caregivers and “vulnerable populations.”

It will also phase out the use of private detention facilities around 2029, such as those where or with Day One Alliance members may work.

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In clear response to Democrats are frozen of ICE centers earlier in 2025 — including a case in Newark, New Jersey, where Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was accused of charging the officers. It would also require the Department of Homeland Security to admit members of Congress into detention facilities for unannounced searches.

Another case in Baltimore That city’s congressman, Democratic Rep. Kwesi Mfume, joined others downtown to protest to the press about not being allowed full access to the Department of Homeland Security facility in Charm City.

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

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The rate of deaths in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody is less than 1%, lower than any previous administration’s record, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

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

The members said the contractors are working to provide humane housing, proper meals and quality medical care to everyone in their ward.

Meanwhile, Jayapal said Thursday that the Trump administration has caused a “horrific increase in the arrests of people who have committed no crimes.”

“As Trump has cut off legal pathways and made it nearly impossible to come to or stay in this country, even for those who have lived here for decades, it will continue to get worse,” Jayapal said. “We must Pass this legislation To protect dignity and civil rights in America.”

Smith added that the United States is witnessing ““Horrific conditions” and A “Clearly ignoring the… Basic human rights“Of the detainees.

“No one should be subjected to overcrowded cells, denied medical care, or detained in facilities that profit from human suffering,” he said, echoing his Seattle neighbor who said the bill would provide appropriate oversight.

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Homeland Security officials burned the new bill later Friday, with Assistant Secretary of State Tricia McLaughlin telling Fox News Digital that Jayapal’s claims of overcrowding, mistreatment and wrongful detention are “false.”

“Immigration and Customs Enforcement applies higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual American citizens,” she said.

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

McLaughlin added that the death rate in ICE custody is less than 1%, which is lower than any record set by any previous administration.

She praised the big, beautiful bill introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Los Angeles, as a facilitator for ICE to improve detention conditions since Pres. Donald Trump He took office.

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

A statement from Jayapal’s office noted that 66,000 people have been arrested since Trump took office, and claimed that nearly three-quarters of them had no criminal convictions — an assertion rejected by immigration officials themselves.

There were 123 Democratic cosponsors listed, including several lawmakers representing areas designated by ICE and USBP 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, Sidney Kamlager Dove and Ted Lieu of Los AngelesAll of them are among the more than 100 signatories to the bill.

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