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H.R. 8494: To prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from entering into, modifying, extending, or renewing, any contract or intergovernmental service agreement to establish or operate any new immigration detention model, including the use of warehouses, modular facilities, soft-sided structures, tent systems, and processing centers.

This bill seeks to limit the actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the establishment and operation of new immigration detention facilities. Here are the main points of the bill:

Prohibition on New Immigration Detention Models

The bill prohibits the DHS from entering into, modifying, extending, or renewing contracts to create or operate new types of immigration detention facilities. This includes facilities such as warehouses, tent systems, modular units, or any other alternative types of detention structures.
The intention behind this prohibition is to halt the planned expansion of immigration detention centers which the DHS has proposed, estimated to cost around $38.3 billion. The proposed facilities have raised concerns due to their similarities to historically controversial internment camps.

Findings Supporting the Bill

The bill highlights historical concerns about the treatment of detained individuals, drawing a parallel to past injustices, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
It recognizes the negative effects of immigration detention on individuals, families, and communities, citing poor conditions, rights violations, and adverse health impacts.
Concerns are raised about the potential negative impact on local communities, including increased surveillance, strain on infrastructure, and the diversion of essential resources away from local needs.

Restrictions on Funding

The bill prohibits the expenditure of federal funds to establish, construct, or operate new immigration detention facilities, directly stating that any financial resources allocated before the enactment of this bill cannot be used for this purpose.
It indicates that any funds initially designated for creating or maintaining new immigration detention centers should be redirected towards services that help communities, such as affordable healthcare and housing.

Definitions

A "covered agency" refers to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The term "detention facility" encompasses any facility used to hold or process individuals under civil immigration authority.
The term "new immigration model" includes any new or rebranded framework for detention that results in holding individuals for immigration-related reasons.

Effective Date

The provisions of this bill will take effect immediately upon its enactment.

Relevant Companies

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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

Actions

3 actions

Date	Action
Apr. 24, 2026	Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
Apr. 23, 2026	Introduced in House
Apr. 23, 2026	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.

Corporate Lobbying

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