Stop ICE Intimidation Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 27, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to halt certain ICE enforcement activities and hiring until the agency implements a transparent policy governing its use of surveillance systems and explicitly protects constitutionally protected information.
What it actually does
This bill restricts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from obligating funds for the operation of biometric or other surveillance systems, related contracts, or the hiring of additional U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. These limitations remain in effect until ICE submits a comprehensive report to Congress outlining a policy for surveillance system use that prohibits collecting information related to constitutionally protected activities and establishes clear rules for data management and individual notice. The bill also mandates the deletion of certain previously collected data if the required policy is not established by rule within 30 days of enactment.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency in immigration enforcement, particularly regarding the use of advanced surveillance technologies. They contend it protects civil liberties by preventing the misuse of data collected on individuals exercising their constitutional rights and ensures that ICE operations comply with privacy protections and local laws.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill unduly restricts critical immigration enforcement capabilities, potentially hindering ICE's ability to secure the border and enforce immigration laws effectively. They may contend that pausing operations and hiring, even temporarily, could create security vulnerabilities and that existing oversight mechanisms are sufficient to address privacy concerns.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and straightforward assessment of its core provisions by an informed reader.
Section 2(a)(1) and (2)
Moratorium on Surveillance System Funding and Contracts
This provision prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from spending money on operating biometric or other surveillance systems, including ICE's Intelligence Records System, or entering into new contracts for such systems. This restriction takes effect 30 days after the bill's enactment and remains in place until ICE submits a specific report to Congress detailing a comprehensive policy for surveillance system use.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is a necessary lever to compel ICE to develop and implement clear, protective policies regarding its surveillance technologies, ensuring accountability and preventing potential abuses.
Critics contend
Critics might argue this provision could disrupt essential intelligence gathering and operational capabilities, potentially compromising national security or border enforcement efforts by limiting access to critical tools.
Tradeoffs
Balances the need for government surveillance tools in enforcement against the imperative to protect civil liberties and ensure transparent, accountable use of technology.
Section 2(a)(3)
Moratorium on Hiring Additional ICE Officers
This section prevents the Department of Homeland Security from obligating funds to hire additional officers, agents, or employees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This hiring freeze is temporary, lasting until the required report on surveillance system policies, as detailed in Section 2(b), is submitted to Congress.
Section 2(b)
Mandated Policy for Surveillance System Use
This provision outlines the specific requirements for the report ICE must submit to Congress to lift the funding limitations. The report must detail a policy for using biometric and other surveillance systems, explicitly prohibiting the collection or storage of information related to constitutionally protected activities. It also mandates rules for information use, access, storage, retention, notice to individuals, and compliance with local privacy laws, including those prohibiting facial recognition software.
Section 2(c)
Data Deletion Mandate
This provision requires that all information collected by immigration officers for or from ICE's surveillance systems between January 1, 2026, and the bill's enactment date must be deleted within 30 days of enactment. This deletion is mandatory unless the Secretary of Homeland Security establishes the policy described in Section 2(b)(2) by rule (including interim final rulemaking) within that 30-day period.
Section 3
Protection for Recording Immigration Operations
This section prohibits the use of any funds made available to the Secretary of Homeland Security to restrict an individual's ability to record or document immigration enforcement or removal operations. This protection applies as long as the recording actions do not interfere with or obstruct the operations themselves, aiming to promote transparency and public oversight.