VISIBLE Act
Immigration officers and deputized local personnel conducting public actions—such as arrests, patrols, raids, and checkpoint inspections—must wear visible identification on their outermost clothing. Their uniforms must display their agency name clearly from at least 25 feet away, along with the officer's last name or badge number, and officers cannot wear non-medical face coverings that conceal their identity except in hazardous conditions or covert missions. The Department of Homeland Security must investigate public complaints, discipline noncompliant officers with measures like suspensions or reprimands, and submit annual violation reports to Congress.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Individuals interacting with immigration enforcementGain the ability to visually identify immigration enforcement officers and their employing agencies during public encounters, as well as the right to submit complaints to DHS CRCL if identification rules are violated.
Who it burdens
- Federal and deputized immigration officersMust wear visible agency names and badge numbers or last names on their outermost gear during public enforcement actions, are restricted from wearing obscuring face coverings, and face administrative discipline (such as reprimands or suspensions) for noncompliance.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Must enforce identification rules through administrative discipline, investigate public complaints, make corrective recommendations, and prepare annual reports to Congress detailing enforcement operations and noncompliance incidents.
The provisions, in plain language.
Requires federal and deputized immigration officers conducting public enforcement operations to visibly display their agency name (legible from at least 25 feet) and their last name or badge number on their outermost clothing or gear.
Prohibits immigration officers from wearing non-medical face coverings that obscure their face or identification during public enforcement, except when needed for covert operations or environmental hazards.
Requires the Department of Homeland Security to administratively discipline officers who fail to follow visible identification rules, including through written reprimands or suspensions.
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number of public immigration enforcement actions, noncompliance incidents, and disciplinary measures taken.
Directs the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to investigate public complaints regarding officer identification violations, recommend corrective actions, and publicly report its findings.