TRUST Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9068
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T16:22:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, known as the Training, Responsibility, Uniforms, and Standards for Transparency Act (TRUST Act), aims to enhance the professionalism, integrity, and accountability of immigration enforcement officers and agents within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It focuses on improving hiring practices, standardizing uniforms and identification, mandating body-worn cameras, and requiring specialized training to ensure fair and transparent operations.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Hiring and Screening Standards (Section 2): Establishes minimum requirements for new officers and agents, including being at least 20 years old at application (21 at training start), holding a high school diploma or equivalent, proving work authorization, and undergoing thorough background checks covering criminal history, prior service records, domestic violence or violent conduct, drug use, terrorist affiliations, social media for bias or extremism, and psychological assessments.
- Uniform and Identification Regulations (Sections 3-5): Requires officers to maintain serviceable, neat uniforms specific to their role; limits uniform wear to official duties; mandates issuance of photo ID cards and badges with serial numbers; requires visible display of name, agency, and face during enforcement actions (with exceptions for undercover work, medical needs, or tactical situations); prohibits misuse or duplication of badges and uniforms, with criminal penalties for unauthorized representation.
- Body-Worn Cameras (Section 6): Requires equipping officers with cameras that activate during enforcement actions, public interactions, or premise entries; includes rules for notifications, deactivation (e.g., for privacy in private residences or undercover roles), retention (6 months standard, 3 years for force or complaints), public release of footage in misconduct or injury cases (with privacy blurring or delays), and penalties for tampering or failure to activate, such as presumptions of misconduct in proceedings or discipline up to termination.
- Specialized Training (Section 7): Mandates additional training before enforcement operations on identity verification to avoid wrongful detentions, de-escalation techniques, language access for limited English proficiency, recognition of medical or mental health issues, constitutional and civil rights protections, and prevention of discriminatory practices based on race, ethnicity, or other factors.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
- Introduces mandatory body-worn camera use with specific activation rules and evidentiary presumptions favoring complainants if footage is missing, which strengthens accountability beyond current DHS policies.
- Expands background screening to include social media reviews and psychological assessments, adding layers not uniformly required before.
- Establishes uniform display and identification rules with time/place restrictions and bans on alcohol consumption in uniform, formalizing professional conduct standards.
- Adds training requirements focused on civil rights and de-escalation, and creates penalties for badge misuse, enhancing oversight mechanisms.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DHS components like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would face implementation costs for equipment, training programs, and policy updates, potentially requiring new administrative processes for compliance and footage management.
- On Citizens: Increases transparency through visible identification and camera footage, potentially reducing risks of errors in enforcement (e.g., wrongful detentions) and providing evidence in disputes, while privacy protections aim to balance public access with individual rights.
- On International Relations: May indirectly influence perceptions of U.S. immigration enforcement abroad by emphasizing professional standards, though direct effects are limited to domestic operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- DHS and its law enforcement personnel (ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and CBP officers/agents).
- Individuals encountered during immigration enforcement, including U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and noncitizens.
- Oversight bodies, courts, and the public through access to records and footage.
- Advocacy groups focused on civil rights, immigration, and law enforcement accountability.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Creates rebuttable presumptions in civil or administrative proceedings if cameras are not used properly, and imposes discipline or certification revocation for violations, potentially affecting due process in enforcement cases.
- Constitutional: Reinforces protections against unlawful searches, seizures, and discrimination by requiring training on these topics and civil rights laws.
- Political: Promotes transparency in federal immigration actions, which could address concerns about accountability while balancing operational needs like undercover work.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Ways and Means, 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.
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Training, Responsibility, Uniforms, and Standards for Transparency Act — issued 2026-05-29 — PDF (18 pages)