H.R. 4667: Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement Act of 2025

The Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement Act of 2025 (referred to as the VISIBLE Act) seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement actions conducted by federal officers. Below is a summary of the key provisions of the bill:

Purpose and Need for the Bill

The bill establishes that transparency in public immigration enforcement is crucial for maintaining public trust and constitutional governance. It emphasizes that immigration officers must be visibly identifiable when engaging in activities that are open to public observation, ensuring accountability.

Visible Identification Requirement

The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, requiring that all immigration enforcement officers, referred to as “covered immigration officers,” must wear visible identification during any public immigration enforcement function. This includes various activities such as:

• Patrolling
• Conducting stops
• Making arrests
• Searching or interviewing individuals
• Executing raids and checkpoints
• Serving warrants

Definition of Key Terms

The bill defines several terms to clarify the requirements:

• Covered immigration officer: Includes personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and individuals authorized to perform enforcement functions.
• Public immigration enforcement function: Refers to activities involving federal immigration authority that are observable by the public.
• Visible identification: Identification must display the agency name and the officer’s name or badge number clearly, in a size discernible from at least 25 feet away.

Identification Requirements

During public-facing activities, covered immigration officers must wear:

• The full name or recognized initials of their employing agency.
• The officer’s last name or unique badge number.

The identification must be easily readable, suitable for both daylight and low-light conditions, and displayed on the outermost garment without being obscured by tactical gear.

Restrictions on Coverings

Officers are prohibited from wearing non-medical face coverings that obscure their identification unless necessary for the integrity of a covert operation or to protect against environmental hazards.

Accountability Measures

The bill outlines that the Secretary of Homeland Security must enforce compliance among immigration officers, ensuring that those who fail to comply face disciplinary actions such as reprimands or suspensions.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of Homeland Security is also required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing:

• The number of public immigration enforcement functions conducted.
• Instances of noncompliance with the visibility requirements.
• Actions taken against officers who do not comply.

Role of the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

This office will handle complaints from the public about violations of the identification requirements and recommend corrective actions to immigration authorities. It will also incorporate findings related to this Act into its annual public report.

Relevant Companies

None found.