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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
SENATES. 4593· 119th Congress

Clarify When Feds Can Detain Immigrants

Detention Authority Clarification Act

Sponsor
Ted Budd (R-NC)
Introduced
May 20, 2026
Last Action
May 20, 2026
Passage
12%
Introduced
May 20, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Bill defines and clarifies federal authority to detain immigrants pending removal proceedings or deportation.
  • Addresses legal ambiguities about which agencies can hold immigrants and under what circumstances.
  • Detailed policy text not yet available — title suggests narrowing or expanding detention powers, unclear which direction.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Affects immigrants in removal proceedings and ICE detention practices across the country.
  • Could impact legal standards for how long authorities can hold people without resolution.
  • Stakes depend on whether bill expands or limits detention — either way, reshapes immigration enforcement operations.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced in Senate May 2026, referred to Judiciary Committee. Awaiting committee review and debate.
  • Detailed Congressional Research Service summary not yet published — full policy specifics pending.
  • Follow Senate Judiciary Committee calendar at judiciary.senate.gov for hearing announcements and votes.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • May 20, 2026Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • May 20, 2026Introduced in Senate