Bill would give detained immigrants' families 24-hour transfer notice

What does this do?

HR 5073 would require the federal government to notify the immediate family of an immigration detainee within 24 hours of any transfer to a different facility. The notification must include the reason for the transfer and the new facility's name, address, phone number, and a contact person. No federal law currently requires this notice.

Who does it affect?

The bill applies to anyone held by the Department of Homeland Security under immigration law and their immediate family, defined to include parents, children, siblings, spouses, stepfamily, foster family, and partners in civil unions or domestic partnerships.

Why does it matter?

Without a notification requirement, families can lose track of a detained loved one when that person is moved between facilities. The bill would also create a new compliance requirement for the Department of Homeland Security and the detention facilities it uses.

Where does it stand?