Kayla Hamilton Act
What does the Kayla Hamilton Act do?
HR 4371 is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC). The Kayla Hamilton Act tightens the placement process for unaccompanied migrant children in federal custody. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to place children 13 and older in a secure facility if they have gang-related tattoos, markings, or an arrest record linked to gang activity in their home country. It also prohibits placing any child with a sponsor who is unlawfully present in the U.S., and requires DHS to receive detailed background information on all adult household members at any placement home.
Did HR 4371 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, HR 4371 has passed the House.
Status: Passed House
Latest vote: House Passed 225–201 on December 16, 2025
Outlook: Uphill
Key provisions
- Secure Facility for Gang-Affiliated Minors
- Before placing an unaccompanied child 13 or older, HHS must contact the child's home country consulate or embassy to request the child's criminal record
- HHS must also examine the child for gang-related tattoos and markings
- If the child has a gang-related tattoo, marking, or a gang-related arrest record or criminal conviction from their home country, HHS must place them in a secure facility
- Sponsor Vetting Requirements
- No child may be placed with a sponsor who is unlawfully present in the United States
- Before placement, HHS must share with DHS: names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, immigration status, contact information, and background check results for all adult residents of the placement household
- Required background checks include a sex offender registry check, a public records check, and an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check for every adult in the household
Last updated June 10, 2026