Bill · S. 3894· Senate(119-S-3894)
Respect for Local Communities Act
- Introduced
- 2/23/2026
- Last activity
- 2/23/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Respect for Local Communities Act aims to limit how the Department of Homeland Security handles new processing sites or detention centers. It prohibits these agencies from starting new construction, acquisitions, or renovations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities without following specific steps. Agencies must first issue a public notice that allows for a 30-day comment period. They are also required to provide information on due diligence, environmental regulations, and economic impacts. Furthermore, agencies must enter into written agreements with local officials and the State Governor. Finally, the agency must provide advance notice to several Congressional committees.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill mandates public notices in the Federal Register and a 30-day period for public comment on new federal facilities.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+5
The bill requires federal agencies to enter into written agreements with State Governors and local officials before proceeding with new facilities.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill mandates that agencies explain how they will comply with applicable environmental regulations and provide engineering reviews on water and waste.
The opposite
Does this tighten control of the border?-2
The mandatory public comment periods and local agreements may delay the establishment of new ICE detention or processing facilities.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?-1
The procedural requirements for new ICE facilities could result in operational delays for immigration-related tasks.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Public Transparency: The bill requires the Federal Register to include a notice that is open for public comments for at least 30 days, which allows people to voice their opinions on new facilities (Section 3, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph A).
-
Local Economic and Environmental Awareness: Agencies must provide an economic impact analysis and an engineering review covering water usage, electrical demand, and waste exportation, which helps people understand the local impact (Section 3, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph E).
-
Local Government Empowerment: The bill requires the Federal agency to enter into a signed, written agreement with appropriate local government officials and the Governor of the State before proceeding (Section 3, Paragraph 2, Subparagraph B).
-
Regulatory Oversight: The notice must include information on how the agency will comply with Federal guidance, standards related to immigration detention, and applicable environmental regulations (Section 3, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph C).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Delays in Facility Operations: The requirement for a 30-day public comment period, the need to consider and respond to significant comments, and the mandatory 30-day waiting period after reporting to Congress could delay the operation of new processing sites or detention centers (Section 3, Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Increase States Rights+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Rural Development+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Low Income Households+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+1Improves Border Security-2
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona
Maggie HassanDemocrat · New Hampshire
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Jon OssoffDemocrat · Georgia
Elissa SlotkinDemocrat · Michigan