06/09/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/09/2025 15:03
Washington, DC - As the Trump Administration continues unconstitutional deportations, Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) have introduced the Police not ICE Act of 2025to prohibit immigration officers from wearing any clothing bearing the word "police." The bill would apply to entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
"Due to Trump's unconstitutional decisions, immigrant communities live in fear of one day being deported and never seeing their family members again," said Velázquez. "While we resist the threat of raids and mass deportations, it's equally important to curb actions that fuel distrust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, like ICE agents posing as local police officers."
"This is a matter of public safety," said Thompson. "Suggesting ICE officers are members of local law enforcement undermines the relationships immigrant communities have established with police departments. Crimes may go unreported because victims fear they or their loved ones could be reported to immigration officials. Witnesses may not come forward for fear of being reported. This weakens public safety and undercuts local law enforcement. I'm glad to work with Rep. Velázquez to introduce legislation to end this practice."
By displaying the word "police" on their uniforms, immigration officers blur the line between law enforcement and immigration officials. Critics contend that conflating the two results in immigrants being less likely to cooperate with local law enforcement when there are serious stakes in place.
"New York City is a sanctuary city. We do not align with Trump's mass deportation agenda," said Velázquez. "Immigrant residents should feel confident that the NYPD is not working with ICE and can safely report crimes without fear. When federal immigration agents pose as local police, it creates confusion and puts public safety at risk."
This bill has been co-sponsored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX), Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Rep. Luz Rivas (D-CA), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX).
Find the full bill text here.