Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has introduced legislation seeking to restrict the prices charged for everyday products sold inside US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities.
The proposed Stop ICE Price Gouging Act would limit markups on essential personal-care items—including soap, toothpaste and menstrual products—to 5%. Markups on other commissary products would be capped at 35%.
The proposal would also prohibit additional administrative charges, kickbacks and revenue-sharing arrangements involving detention-facility operators and vendors.
Thanedar’s office cited reports alleging markups ranging from 50% to 110% on certain products. While ICE standards require facilities to provide some hygiene supplies without charge, the congressman argues that detainees may need to purchase additional quantities.
The bill applies broadly to people held in immigration detention and is not limited to Indian nationals. It remains proposed legislation and has not yet become law.
