No Vigilante Checkpoints and Civil Rights Protection Act of 2026

This legislation, titled the "No Vigilante Checkpoints and Civil Rights Protection Act of 2026," aims to protect civil rights by prohibiting unauthorized private actions that mimic law enforcement activities. It specifically targets individuals or organizations who, without lawful authority, stop or detain people or vehicles on public roadways, demand identification or searches, or collect license plate data. These actions are deemed illegal if undertaken to enforce, monitor, obstruct, or influence federal law enforcement operations. A new federal offense is created, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and fines, with aggravated offenses involving weapons, bodily injury, or targeting federal officers carrying up to 10 years imprisonment. The bill also establishes a private right of action , allowing individuals harmed by such conduct to sue the perpetrators, organizations supporting them, or governmental entities that knowingly permit these activities. Available relief includes statutory damages of at least $10,000 per violation, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief, with qualified immunity explicitly denied for defendants.