HR3828-119

What This Bill Does

The Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act changes uniform and identification rules for federal immigration enforcement. It amends section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to state that immigration officers or agents of the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agents, may not wear clothing, accessories, or other items bearing the word 'police' while performing duties under the immigration laws. The bill does not remove immigration enforcement authority; it limits a labeling practice that can make civil immigration enforcement look like ordinary local policing.

Who Benefits and How

Immigrant communities benefit from clearer distinction between immigration officers and local police. Local police departments benefit if residents are less likely to confuse immigration enforcement with local policing. Civil rights organizations benefit from a statutory uniform rule addressing deceptive enforcement practices. Witnesses and crime victims benefit if reduced confusion improves willingness to contact local law enforcement.

Who Bears the Burden and How

ICE officers must change clothing, vests, accessories, or other items that display the word police during immigration-law duties. CBP agents performing immigration duties must follow the same labeling restriction. DHS procurement staff must update uniform and equipment purchasing for covered officers. Immigration enforcement supervisors must train personnel and enforce the new restriction.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits DHS immigration officers from wearing items bearing the word police during immigration-law duties.
• Requires ICE officers and agents to remove police-labeled clothing or accessories during covered duties.
• Requires CBP officers and agents to follow the same police-labeling restriction.
• Limits immigration enforcement identity practices without changing underlying enforcement authority.