S.Amdt. 4297

The amendment, known as the Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement Act of 2025 or the VISIBLE Act, aims to add new requirements to the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding how immigration officers identify themselves.

The purpose is to ensure transparency and accountability by requiring immigration officers to be visibly identifiable during public enforcement activities, provided the activity is not covert.

Key Changes and Additions

• Identification Requirements: Covered immigration officers (including those from CBP, ICE, and deputized individuals) must wear visible identification during public-facing actions like arrests, searches, raids, and checkpoints. This identification must include:

  • The name or initials of the employing agency, legible from at least 25 feet.
  • The officer's last name or unique badge/identification number.
  • These markers must be on the outermost garment and not blocked by gear or armor.

• Face Coverings: Officers are prohibited from wearing non-medical face coverings, such as masks or balaclavas, that hide their face or identification unless it is for hazardous conditions or to protect a covert operation.

• Accountability and Discipline: The Secretary of Homeland Security must provide administrative discipline, such as suspensions or written reprimands, for officers who do not follow these rules.

• Reporting and Oversight:

  • The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit annual reports detailing the number of enforcement functions, instances of noncompliance, and disciplinary actions taken.
  • The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties will investigate public complaints and include findings in its annual public report.