QR Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7233

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Immigration

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

H.R. 7233: Quick Recognition Act (QR Act)

Purpose

This bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement by requiring officers and employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to display a scannable QR code (a type of barcode readable by smartphone cameras) during law enforcement or immigration activities. The QR code would link to official information verifying the officer's identity and allow for easy reporting of misconduct.

Key Provisions

• Implementation Timeline: Starting 180 days after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of Homeland Security must enforce the requirement for all relevant ICE and CBP personnel engaged in enforcement activities.
• QR Code Requirements:
• Must be worn on the uniform in a clearly visible spot, not covered by clothing or gear.
• When scanned, it directs to a public Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website displaying:
• The officer's full name.
• Badge number.
• Agency and specific unit or office.
• Active status, including a timestamp to confirm it's current.
• Optional elements: A photo of the officer.
• Prohibited elements: No home address, phone number, or other personal contact details.
• Additional Website Features:
• A secure way for the public to submit complaints about the officer's conduct during enforcement.
• Aggregated (non-personal) data on the number of complaints filed against each officer.
• Scope Limitation: The rule does not override or replace any existing federal, state, or local laws, policies, or requirements that promote transparency or accountability in law enforcement.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which governs the powers and duties of immigration officers. It adds a new subsection (i) specifically mandating the QR code identification system. Previously, the INA required officers to identify themselves verbally or via badges but did not include digital verification tools like QR codes or linked complaint mechanisms. This introduces a modern, technology-based layer of verification without altering core enforcement powers.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS, ICE, and CBP would need to develop and maintain the QR code system and website, including secure complaint handling and data aggregation. This could involve training, technology upgrades, and ongoing administrative costs, potentially improving internal oversight of officer conduct.
• On Citizens: Individuals interacting with federal enforcement—especially immigrants, border communities, or witnesses—could more easily verify an officer's legitimacy, reducing risks of impersonation or abuse. It may build public trust by facilitating quick complaints and access to officer history (in aggregated form).
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the changes focus on domestic U.S. enforcement operations. However, it could indirectly enhance the U.S. image abroad by demonstrating commitment to accountable immigration practices.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies and Personnel: Primarily ICE and CBP officers/employees in enforcement roles, who must adopt the QR code; DHS, responsible for implementation and website management.
• Public and Communities: Immigrants, migrants, border residents, and civil rights advocates who interact with or monitor enforcement activities, gaining tools for verification and recourse.
• Oversight Groups: Organizations focused on law enforcement accountability, such as human rights watchdogs or legal aid groups, which could use the complaint data for advocacy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing INA provisions on officer identification without expanding or restricting enforcement authority. The "rule of construction" clause preserves compatibility with other laws, avoiding conflicts with state-level police transparency rules. It balances officer privacy (by excluding personal details) with public access rights.
• Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment interests in government transparency and Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable seizures by ensuring verifiable authority during encounters. No direct challenges to due process or equal protection are evident.
• Political: Addresses ongoing debates about federal agent anonymity in immigration raids (e.g., concerns over unmarked vehicles or attire), potentially reducing litigation over misconduct claims. It could appeal to bipartisan interests in accountability but face opposition from law enforcement unions citing safety risks from visible identifiers.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
• 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-01-22: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-01-22: Introduced in House
• 2026-01-22: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Quick Recognition Act — issued 2026-01-22 — PDF (4 pages)