No Cages in the Everglades Act

This bill would block the Department of Homeland Security (including ICE) from using any money to plan, build, lease, run, staff, or maintain an immigration detention center in or next to the Everglades. It also stops DHS from contracting with public entities for such a facility. The Everglades area here means the wetland areas of southern Florida, including Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, Water Conservation Areas, and nearby wetlands .

It also requires that Members of Congress and designated staff be allowed to visit any DHS detention site, with or without notice, at any time, following safety rules. Within 90 days after this becomes law, the DHS Inspector General must report to Congress on any Everglades detention facility, including how money was used, whether standards were met, any complaints from people held there, and risks from storms, flooding, or other natural disasters.

• Who is affected: DHS and ICE; state and local facility operators; people held in DHS custody; areas in and around the Everglades
• What changes: No DHS funding or contracts for a detention center in or next to the Everglades; guaranteed congressional access to any DHS detention site; a required oversight report in 90 days
• When: The access rule takes effect when the bill becomes law; the report is due within 90 days after that