ICE OUT Act

The ICE OUT Act would reform legal protections for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Currently, federal law enforcement officers have qualified immunity, which shields them from lawsuits in many situations. This bill would eliminate that immunity protection if officers engage in excessive force, making it easier for people to sue these agents for violating their constitutional rights. The bill would also require courts to first determine whether alleged conduct violated constitutional rights before considering whether those rights were clearly established at the time of the incident.

If enacted, the bill could increase accountability for immigration enforcement actions. Supporters argue it would help address concerns about ICE and CBP conduct, while the bill is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. The practical effect would be to allow individuals who believe they experienced excessive force during immigration enforcement operations to pursue legal claims against federal agents, potentially resulting in financial damages or other remedies through the courts.