Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that immigration enforcement operations must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with constitutional protections for all persons within the United States.
This House resolution expresses the sense of Congress that immigration enforcement operations should be transparent, accountable, and consistent with constitutional protections for everyone in the United States. It does not itself create new law, but it urges the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its enforcement components (ICE and CBP) to adopt concrete transparency and accountability measures. Specifically, it calls for body cameras, prohibition on identity-obscuring attire during public operations, visible display of officer identity, independent civilian oversight, mandatory de-escalation training, and enhanced civil rights oversight by the Department of Justice. The measure frames these provisions as aligning with current or proposed related bills and oversight efforts. The resolution aims to improve public trust and civil liberties protections by promoting oversight, accountability, and clearer identification during immigration enforcement activities. While non-binding, it signals congressional support for specific reforms and could influence policy directions, training, reporting, and interagency oversight if acted upon by DHS, ICE, CBP, and the DOJ.
Key Points
- 1Body cameras: DHS should require all ICE and CBP personnel engaged in enforcement to wear body cameras recording interactions with the public, with footage kept for oversight and investigations.
- 2Identity visibility: Enforcement personnel should not wear masks or other obstructions to identity during public operations; they should display their name, badge number, and agency affiliation.
- 3Independent civilian oversight: DHS should establish independent civilian oversight boards that can receive complaints, review enforcement actions, and recommend disciplinary measures or policy changes.
- 4De-escalation training: Mandatory de-escalation training for all ICE and CBP officers and agents, aligned with broader reform principles.
- 5DOJ oversight: The Department of Justice should oversee ICE to strengthen civil rights oversight and integration with existing civil liberties enforcement mechanisms.