H.R. 4542: No Cages in the Everglades Act

The bill titled the "No Cages in the Everglades Act" proposes to prevent the establishment and funding of any immigration detention facility within or near the Everglades ecosystem. The main points of the bill can be summarized as follows:

Prohibition on Immigration Detention Facilities

• The bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from using any allocated funds for planning, constructing, leasing, operating, staffing, or maintaining an immigration detention facility in the Everglades ecosystem.
• It also forbids contracting with any public entity for these purposes.

Access for Congressional Oversight

• The bill establishes that any facility used to detain individuals in DHS custody must allow Members of Congress and designated congressional staff to inspect the facility unannounced or announced at any time, adhering to security and safety protocols.
• No contracts or agreements can limit this right of access.

Independent Report Requirements

• Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the Inspector General of DHS must conduct an independent inquiry into any proposed detention facility in the Everglades and issue a report to the relevant congressional committees.
• This report will include:
• A summary of funds allocated to the facility
• A description of the construction process
• An evaluation of whether the facility meets federal detention standards
• A record of any complaints from detainees regarding their conditions
• An assessment of ecological risks associated with the facility’s construction and operation

Definitions

• The bill defines the "Everglades ecosystem" as the interconnected wetlands of southern Florida, including areas like Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park.
• It clarifies that a "facility" refers to any site where individuals in DHS custody are housed or detained.

Conclusion

The legislation seeks to ensure that the unique environment of the Everglades is protected from the impacts of immigration detention facilities while also instilling a level of congressional oversight over any facilities that do exist.

Relevant Companies

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