Bill · S. 4589· Senate(119-S-4589)
OPEN Act
- Introduced
- 5/20/2026
- Last activity
- 5/20/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Bennet
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The OPEN Act aims to increase transparency and accountability within immigration enforcement. It grants Members of Congress unrestricted access to immigration detention facilities to observe conditions and compliance. The bill establishes strict rules for the use of force, detention of individuals, and the transportation of detainees. It also mandates specific grievance procedures and public reporting on misconduct or excessive force. Additionally, the bill imposes requirements on the conversion of existing buildings into detention centers. Finally, it establishes new judicial warrant requirements for arrests and detentions.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would immigrants be better off under this?+9
The bill greatly expands the rights of detainees to access legal counsel, family, medical care, and due process.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+9
The bill requires judicial warrants for arrests and detentions, significantly strengthening legal protections for individuals.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+8
The bill mandates public reporting on misconduct and grants Members of Congress unrestricted access to detention facilities.
The opposite
Does this tighten control of the border?-2
The bill restricts the use of administrative warrants for entry into private residences, which may impact enforcement efficiency.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight of Detention Facilities: Members of Congress are granted unrestricted access to detention facilities, including the ability to speak privately with detainees and observe conditions (Section 3(a)).
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Enhanced Rights for Detained Individuals: The bill ensures detainees have timely access to legal counsel, faith leaders, and family members (Section s 3(a) and 4(b)).
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Improved Medical Care: Detainees are guaranteed access to medical and mental health services, including emergency care and management of chronic conditions (Section 4(c)).
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Protection Against Excessive Force: The bill explicitly prohibits the use of excessive force during immigration enforcement operations (Section 4(a)).
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Standardized Transportation Safety: The bill establishes safety protocols for transporting detainees, such as requiring seatbelts, adequate ventilation, and regular bathroom breaks (Section 4(d)).
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Accountability for Misconduct: Detainees are provided with a confidential and accessible grievance process to report issues like abuse or excessive force (Section 3(c)).
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Stronger Legal Protections: The bill requires a judicial warrant for arrests or detentions, which provides a higher level of legal protection (Section 6(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Administrative Warrants: Administrative warrants may no longer authorize entry into private residences or dwellings unless the individual is a flight risk or a danger to the public (Section 6(b)).
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Limits on Evidence: Information obtained during an enforcement action that violates the new warrant requirements cannot be used as evidence in removal proceedings (Section 6(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+9Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Children+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Low Income Households+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+9Improves Government Transparency+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+8Improves Pathway To Citizenship+3Improves Border Security-2
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+7
- 5/20/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.