Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation aims to significantly restrict the use of biometric surveillance by federal immigration agencies. It specifically makes it unlawful for officers, agents, and contractors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to acquire, possess, or use any biometric surveillance system, including facial recognition and other forms of biometric identification, within the United States. This prohibition also extends to information derived from such systems operated by other entities. A critical provision of the bill requires the deletion of all biometric data collected by these agencies, including data gathered before the act's enactment, within 30 days. Furthermore, the bill establishes robust enforcement mechanisms, allowing individuals aggrieved by violations to file lawsuits against the Federal Government for damages and injunctive relief. State attorneys general are also empowered to bring civil actions on behalf of their residents, and officers found in violation may face penalties such as retraining, suspension, or termination.
This legislation aims to significantly restrict the use of biometric surveillance by federal immigration agencies. It specifically makes it unlawful for officers, agents, and contractors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to acquire, possess, or use any biometric surveillance system, including facial recognition and other forms of biometric identification, within the United States. This prohibition also extends to information derived from such systems operated by other entities. A critical provision of the bill requires the deletion of all biometric data collected by these agencies, including data gathered before the act's enactment, within 30 days. Furthermore, the bill establishes robust enforcement mechanisms, allowing individuals aggrieved by violations to file lawsuits against the Federal Government for damages and injunctive relief. State attorneys general are also empowered to bring civil actions on behalf of their residents, and officers found in violation may face penalties such as retraining, suspension, or termination.