No Secret Police Act of 2025
No Secret Police Act of 2025 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require Department of Homeland Security law enforcement officers and agents who are engaged in border security or immigration enforcement to clearly display or wear their official insignia or uniform and to provide identification when detaining or arresting someone. Officers could not hide their face with coverings or other concealment during such actions. The bill also directs DHS to research and develop technologies to maximize insignia visibility under varying conditions (location, time of day, weather) and requires reporting to Congress on policies regarding tactical gear. Additionally, it includes a clerical amendment to add a new section (Sec. 714) to the Homeland Security Act and specifies that “official insignia or uniform” is tied to the term used in a related federal statute. In short, the bill aims to increase transparency and accountability of DHS border/immigration enforcement by ensuring identifiable, clearly visible insignia and IDs during detentions/arrests, while encouraging technology to improve visibility and providing congressional oversight through periodic reporting.
Key Points
- 1Requires DHS law enforcement officers and agents involved in border security or immigration enforcement to provide ID and display/wear visible official insignia or uniforms during detentions or arrests; prohibits face coverings that conceal the officer’s face.
- 2Explicitly allows tactical gear and clarifies that the requirement does not limit the use of such gear, so safety and operational equipment can still be used as needed.
- 3Establishes a federal research and development mandate to improve visibility of insignia/uniforms, including consideration of location, time of day, and weather.
- 4Creates reporting obligations: an initial report within 30 days after enactment on current policies regarding tactical gear, and ongoing updates within 30 days of any modifications.
- 5Adds a new Sec. 714 to the Homeland Security Act, defining the scope of insignia/identification requirements and tying terms to existing law (official insignia or uniform defined by 18 U.S.C. 716).