Protecting Our Communities Act

Key Points

• Federal immigration officers would be required to wear body cameras and use dashboard cameras in their vehicles during all enforcement operations. These cameras must be turned on by default, but they are not allowed to use facial recognition technology or record people's religious or political activities.
• Officers would be required to wear their official uniforms and badges clearly when they arrest or detain someone. The bill also bans officers from wearing face masks or other items that hide their faces while they are working.
• The Department of Homeland Security would create new training programs to teach officers how to calm down tense situations without using physical force. This training must be developed by talking to local police, civil rights groups, and organizations that help people with disabilities.
• Federal immigration agents would have to notify local police departments before they start an operation in that local area. This is intended to help different law enforcement agencies coordinate better and keep communities informed.
• The government would have to send reports to Congress every six months. These reports must include details on every time an officer used force, whether that force was used properly, and any instances where officers were attacked while on duty.