Private Detention Corporate Accountability Act of 2026

This bill would let the family or legal successor of a person who dies wrongfully while held in a private detention center sue the officer or employee responsible in federal district court. Those found liable would owe at least $5,000,000 in statutory damages plus economic damages, and punitive damages when appropriate. The private detention center itself would also be held responsible for the harm. Officers and employees could not use absolute or qualified immunity as a defense, and families could still sue in state court instead. A private detention center is defined as a private company with a federal contract to hold people for alleged civil, criminal, or immigration violations.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Derek Tran Democrat sponsor
• 3 cosponsors