H.R. 7743: Stop ICE Intimidation Act of 2026

The bill, known as the Stop ICE Intimidation Act of 2026, aims to place limitations on funding for certain activities related to immigration enforcement until specific reports and policies are established. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Funding Limitations

• The Secretary of Homeland Security cannot use funding for the following purposes until a required report is submitted:
• Operation of biometric or other surveillance systems, including the Intelligence Records System used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Entering or continuing contracts related to these systems.
• Hiring additional staff at ICE.

Required Reporting

A report must be submitted that includes:

• The operations and policies governing the use of biometric and surveillance systems in immigration enforcement.
• Rules to ensure that the information collected does not violate individual constitutional rights.
• Information on how this data is accessed, stored, retained, and protected from unauthorized access.
• Provision for individuals whose information is collected to be notified and allowed to contest or remove their data.
• Clarification on how First Amendment-protected activities will not be wrongly categorized as credible threats.
• Details on costs associated with the databases and contracts for their maintenance.
• Compliance with local laws regarding privacy protections and training for officers on these laws.

Deletion of Data

The bill mandates that any data collected by immigration officers related to surveillance systems from January 1, 2026, until the bill is enacted must be deleted within 30 days of the bill's enactment, unless a new policy is established by the Secretary.

Protection of Recording Rights

The bill also specifies that funds allocated to the Secretary of Homeland Security cannot be used to prevent individuals from recording or documenting ICE’s enforcement or removal operations, as long as such actions do not interfere with those operations.

Relevant Companies

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