Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill sets strict rules for when federal immigration officers can use force. It requires agents to try to calm situations down first and only use force when there is no other safe way to handle a situation. The level of force used must match the level of resistance they are facing.
• All federal immigration agents would be required to wear body cameras, and their vehicles would need dashboard cameras. These cameras must be turned on by default during operations. The footage would generally be kept for at least one year, or up to three years if there is a complaint or an incident involving force.
• The policy bans agents from wearing masks or using the word 'Police' on their uniforms to prevent people from confusing them with local officers. It also limits the use of tools like tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs to agents who have specific training and a supervisor's approval for a high-risk mission.
• Officers would have a legal duty to step in if they see a coworker using excessive force and must report the incident to their supervisors. They are also required to provide medical aid to anyone who is injured during an encounter.
• The Department of Homeland Security would have to notify local police before starting operations in their area. The agency must also create a public database where people can look up reports on use-of-force incidents and civil rights complaints, though personal details would be removed for privacy.