H.R. 9099: DHS Release Transparency Act

The DHS Release Transparency Act, also known as H.R. 9099, is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to enhance transparency regarding the release of individuals from detention by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Here is a detailed overview of the bill's key provisions:

Point of Contact Designation

When an individual is taken into custody by CBP or ICE, the Secretary of Homeland Security must offer them the chance to:

• Designate a point of contact (such as a family member or friend) who will receive updates about their custody status.
• Provide the name and contact information of the designated point of contact.

Notification Requirements

Before releasing any individual from custody (with the exception of those held at a port of entry for less than 12 hours), the Secretary of Homeland Security is required to:

• Notify the designated point of contact about the individual's release.
• Make at least two attempts to ensure that the point of contact is notified.

Translation and Interpretation Services

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security provide translation and interpretation services to support both the detainee and the designated point of contact. This is to ensure that:

• The detainee can understand the process of designating a point of contact in their preferred language.
• The designated point of contact can understand the notifications regarding the release in their chosen language, if applicable.

Limitation on Use of Information

The bill specifies that any information collected through this process cannot be used for law enforcement purposes. This provision is intended to protect the privacy of individuals who are involved in the notification process.

Summary

Overall, the DHS Release Transparency Act seeks to create a structured process for notifying individuals about the release of detained persons, thereby facilitating communication with their points of contact. The inclusion of language services aims to ensure accessibility and comprehension for diverse populations.

Relevant Companies

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