hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Bans ICE and CBP from using facial recognition or other biometric surveillance.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)
Introduced in House, referred to committees.
The bill would make it illegal for immigration officers from ICE and CBP to use facial recognition, gait analysis, or voice recognition on anyone in the U.S. It also requires deletion of any existing biometric data collected by these agencies within 30 days. Rep. Jayapal, a progressive Democrat from Washington, introduced the bill, which was referred to the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. It has not yet had a hearing or vote.
Introduced Feb 4, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
This would affect anyone encountering ICE or CBP officers, for example at airports, seaports, or during enforcement actions. Currently, CBP uses facial recognition to verify travelers' identities; this bill would stop that practice. The data deletion requirement means any photos or scans already collected must be purged within a month. Individuals who are harmed by a violation could sue for damages, including actual and punitive damages, plus attorneys' fees.
Supporters Say
Supporters say facial recognition threatens privacy and civil liberties, especially for immigrants and people of color.
Critics Say
Critics argue facial recognition helps law enforcement catch criminals and secure borders, and a ban could hinder public safety.
Supporters, including civil liberties groups, point to studies showing facial recognition is less accurate for people with darker skin and can lead to wrongful arrests. They argue the bill protects against mass surveillance. Critics, often from law enforcement, contend that biometric tools speed up identity checks and are essential for national security. They worry a ban would force officers to rely on slower, less reliable methods.