A bill to provide a civil remedy for any individual whose rights have been violated by a Federal law enforcement officer carrying out an immigration-related enforcement action.

119th Congress

Establishes a private right of action allowing individuals harmed during immigration enforcement to sue federal officers for civil rights violations.

Introduced in Senate

Core purpose and intent

The bill aims to create a civil remedy for individuals whose rights are violated by a federal law enforcement officer during an immigration-related enforcement action.

In other words, it establishes a private right of action so individuals harmed during immigration enforcement actions can seek civil redress in court.

Key provisions and changes (what the bill would do)

Establishes a civil cause of action against federal law enforcement officers when conducting immigration-related enforcement actions, for violations of the individual’s rights.

Sets the scope of “rights” that can be violated (likely based on constitutional protections and federal law governing searches, seizures, due process, equal protection, and other applicable civil rights standards). The exact enumerated rights and limitations would be defined in the bill’s text.

Provides potential remedies, including monetary damages (and possibly attorney’s fees) for plaintiffs whose rights are violated.

May outline defenses, limitations on liability (e.g., qualified immunity standards or specific exemptions), and procedural requirements (venue, statute of limitations, notice requirements, and burden of proof).

Could specify who may bring suit (the individual subjected to the action, possibly family members or authorized representatives) and under what circumstances a claim would be permitted (e.g., during or after an immigration enforcement action).

Who or what would be affected

Federal law enforcement officers enforcing immigration-related actions (e.g., officers from agencies such as ICE or others involved in immigration enforcement).

Individuals subjected to immigration enforcement actions who allege civil rights violations.

Agencies and the federal judiciary, which would administer and adjudicate civil claims arising from immigration enforcement actions.

Potential impact on agency processes and training, given the new civil accountability mechanism.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary (as of 2026-04-16).

Next steps typically include committee hearings, markups, and potential floor consideration, along with any needed amendments.

Any implementing date would depend on the enacted version; if enacted, the bill would specify effective dates for when the civil remedy authority applies (e.g., upon enactment or for violations occurring after a specified date).

Potential implications and considerations

Accountability: Creates a mechanism to hold federal officers accountable for civil rights violations during immigration enforcement.

Deterrence: Could deter violations by increasing potential liability exposure for officers and agencies.

Practical considerations: Implementation would require clear statutory definitions of rights, standards for proof, defenses, and caps on damages (if any) to avoid unintended liabilities or unintended gaps in enforcement.

Constitutional considerations: The bill would need to balance individual rights with national immigration enforcement objectives and officers’ operational needs.

If you can provide the full text or specific sections, I can produce a more detailed, section-by-section summary with exact language, definitions, exceptions, and fiscal impact (if available).

Bill