Respect for Local Communities Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 23, 2026
Bottom line
The bill mandates public comment, local and state government consent, and Congressional notification for any new or renovated federal immigration processing or detention facilities.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies from constructing, acquiring, renovating, or operating any new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing sites or detention centers without first fulfilling a series of requirements. These include issuing a public notice for comments, conducting economic and engineering reviews, obtaining a signed written agreement from appropriate local government officials and the State Governor, and providing advance notice to relevant Congressional committees.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill ensures federal agencies are accountable to local communities, preventing the imposition of immigration facilities without local consent. They contend it promotes transparency, environmental responsibility, and provides a crucial mechanism for communities to have a voice in projects that directly impact their resources and quality of life.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that these requirements create excessive bureaucratic hurdles, potentially empowering local opposition to block critical federal immigration enforcement infrastructure. They could contend that such delays and increased costs could hinder the Department of Homeland Security's ability to manage immigration flows and national security effectively.
The bill is short and its provisions are straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension by an informed reader.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the 'Respect for Local Communities Act'. This title clearly communicates the bill's primary intent to empower local communities in decisions regarding federal immigration facilities.
Supporters argue
Supporters would argue this title clearly communicates the bill's intent to empower local communities and ensure their input on federal projects.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against a bill's short title, as it primarily serves as an identifier.
Section 2
Key Definitions
This section defines 'appropriate local government officials' to include the mayor or equivalent elected official and a majority of the local legislative authority (e.g., city council). It also defines 'new processing site or detention center' broadly to cover any facility operated by or contracted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including those under the Detention Reengineering Initiative, used to temporarily hold persons pending immigration removal, if initiated on or after the bill's enactment date.
Section 3
Requirements for New ICE Processing Sites and Detention Centers
This section prohibits DHS or any other federal agency from initiating the construction, acquisition, renovation, or operation of a new ICE processing site or detention center without first meeting three key requirements. These include: (1) issuing a public notice in the Federal Register for at least 30 days, describing the project, due diligence, environmental regulations, and an economic impact/engineering review; (2) after the comment period, the agency head must consider comments and enter into a signed, written agreement with appropriate local government officials and the State Governor authorizing the activity; and (3) providing at least 30 days advance notice to specific Congressional committees with a copy of the executed agreement.