New Bill Aims to Give Local Approval Power Over ICE Detention Centers

The Respect for Local Communities Act would require federal approval from state and local leaders before ICE can open new detention or processing facilities.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new Democratic-led congressional proposal would require federal approval from local and state leaders before U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can open new detention or processing facilities. The bill, known as the Respect for Local Communities Act, was introduced by Representative Chris Pappas and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, both of New Hampshire, with companion bills filed in both the House and Senate.

Why it matters

The bill follows growing backlash from communities that say ICE moved ahead with detention plans without consulting local officials. Lawmakers argue the proposal responds to transparency concerns as the Trump administration seeks to expand detention capacity nationwide.

The details

The legislation would require DHS to solicit public comments and obtain written approval from relevant state and local officials before constructing, acquiring, or operating any new ICE processing site or detention center. Under the proposal, DHS would also be required to notify relevant congressional committees before moving forward with plans to open or expand such facilities. Supporters say the bill is intended to increase transparency and prevent federal agencies from bypassing local governments when making decisions that could significantly affect public safety, infrastructure, and community resources.

  • The House version of the legislation, H.R. 7652, was introduced on February 23, 2026 and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for consideration.
  • The proposal comes amid growing backlash in communities across the country over reports that ICE is exploring warehouse sites for conversion into large-scale detention facilities.

The players

Chris Pappas

A U.S. Representative from New Hampshire who introduced the Respect for Local Communities Act.

Jeanne Shaheen

A U.S. Senator from New Hampshire who introduced the Respect for Local Communities Act.

Maggie Hassan

A U.S. Senator from New Hampshire and co-sponsor of the Respect for Local Communities Act.

Maggie Goodlander

A U.S. Representative from New Hampshire and co-sponsor of the Respect for Local Communities Act.

Eric Taylor

The city manager for the small Georgia town of Social Circle, which is facing a planned ICE detention facility.

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What they’re saying

“Granite Staters want safe communities, accountable government, and local control. That is why I stand with the residents of Merrimack, local leaders, and the thousands of Granite Staters who are voicing strong opposition to the construction of a large scale immigration detention center. It is completely unacceptable for the Trump administration to continue to bypass local leaders throughout this process.”

— Chris Pappas, U.S. Representative (News release)

“Americans are justifiably concerned as DHS moves to open secretive facilities across the country to detain thousands of individuals at a time, with little transparency or regard for the communities they're being located in. The administration is spending billions of dollars on detention expansion while many families face rising living costs.”

— Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator (Statement)

“Granite Staters, local law enforcement, and local leaders have raised serious concerns about the proposed ICE detention facility in Merrimack, and this bill would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from unilaterally forcing a processing facility or detention center on our communities.”

— Maggie Hassan, U.S. Senator (Statement)

“The half-baked $38 billion campaign to commandeer industrial warehouses for the detention of human beings without the knowledge or approval of local communities in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and across America is a dangerous and un-American overreach by the Department of Homeland Security. It is undermining our local leaders. It is eviscerating public trust. It is imperiling public safety. It is threatening economic growth. It must stop.”

— Maggie Goodlander, U.S. Representative (Statement)

“This is a close, tight-knit community. I can tell you there is unity around this issue.”

— Eric Taylor, City Manager, Social Circle, Georgia (The Guardian)

What’s next

The Respect for Local Communities Act will now be considered in committee as lawmakers debate DHS's detention expansion plans and broader questions about federal authority, local consent, and transparency in immigration enforcement. Both the House and Senate bills will first be taken up by their respective committees, where lawmakers can amend or advance them before any floor votes, with final passage requiring approval in both chambers and the president's signature.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in communities across the country about the federal government's plans to rapidly expand immigration detention capacity without consulting local leaders. The proposed legislation aims to give state and local officials more control over the siting of new ICE facilities, reflecting broader debates over the balance of power between federal and local authorities on immigration enforcement.