Restoring Free Phone Access for Immigration Detainees and Legal Counsel.
This Act restores a program providing free telephone services for individuals held in civil immigration detention by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It guarantees detainees essential communication access, including a minimum of 200 free minutes monthly for family contact, and ensures unlimited, confidential contact with legal counsel and immigration courts. This change aims to remove financial barriers to legal representation and family communication.
Key points
Detainees receive a minimum of 200 free minutes monthly for outgoing calls to family members and loved ones.
Unlimited, free, and confidential communication is guaranteed with legal counsel, immigration courts, and officials investigating detention conditions.
Upon initial custody or transfer, detainees must be given an opportunity to notify an immediate family member of their location within five hours.
Calls with legal representatives and courts cannot be monitored or recorded, ensuring privacy for legal proceedings.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5941
Sponsor: Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]
Process start date: 2025-11-07