H.R. 8494 would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from creating, operating, or contracting for new immigration detention facilities, including warehouses, modular units, tent systems, and processing centers. The bill blocks DHS from entering into or renewing any contracts or agreements related to these detention models and prevents the use of federal funds—both current and future—to establish, construct, or operate such facilities. According to the bill's findings, DHS had announced plans to spend approximately $38.3 billion on acquiring and retrofitting warehouses into large-scale immigration detention centers. Any funds currently obligated for these new detention models would be redirected toward affordable health care and housing services. The prohibition takes effect immediately upon enactment if the bill becomes law.