Posted Dec. 5, 2024
Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and John Rutherford (R-FL-05) introduced the Public Oversight of Detention Centers (POD) Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation that would improve transparency and accountability in the operation of US immigration detention facilities.
My experience being denied access to conduct an oversight visit of an immigration detention facility in my own community highlighted the importance of these visits in ensuring government accountability and the humane treatment of all those detained.”
U.S. Congressman Jason Crow
This bill would codify existing protections for Members of Congress and designated staff to conduct critical oversight visits to oversee facility operations, including any concerns related to public health and the humane treatment of detained individuals. Rep. Crow led the push for these existing protections through the FY2020 appropriations process, and though included in annual appropriations legislation, the POD Act would formally codify these protections into law.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked hard to promote transparency in government, and that includes making oversight visits to immigration detention facilities. My experience being denied access to conduct an oversight visit of an immigration detention facility in my own community highlighted the importance of these visits in ensuring government accountability and the humane treatment of all those detained,” said Congressman Crow. “That’s why today I’m introducing the POD Act with Congressman John Rutherford, because it’s critical we as lawmakers take all steps necessary to ensure these facilities operate in compliance with US law.”
“Oversight is one of the most important functions of Congress,” said Congressman Rutherford. “That’s why members of Congress should never be denied access to immigration facilities altogether. As lawmakers, it is our job to ensure that immigration detention centers are being properly run, and in-person visits are an essential part of Congressional oversight. I am proud to join Congressman Crow on this bill to promote transparency and accountability by allowing access to immigration detention centers upon a member’s request.”
Specifically, this bill would ensure that any Member of the US Senate or House of Representatives is able to gain immediate access to any immigration detention facility operated by or for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and that any designated members of their staff are able to gain access to a DHS detention facility within a 24-hour period. This bill also ensures that Members of Congress are not prevented from entering any facility operated by or for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but stipulates that because these facilities house minors, Members must be given access within two days of making the request to make an oversight visit.
This legislation has been endorsed by a number of key stakeholders, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), the National Immigrant Legal Center, UnidosUS, Church World Service, the National Council of Jewish Women, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), and the Village Exchange Center.
Congressman Crow introduced a previous version of the POD Act in the 116th Congress alongside Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), and Hank Johnson (D-GA-04). This legislation was inspired by Congressman Crow’s own experience of being denied entry to the Aurora Contract Detention Facility, following reports of multiple disease outbreaks in the facility. Ultimately, Crow was denied entry for 24 days, and since then, he has led the fight for greater governmental accountability and transparency of immigration detention facilities.
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