Overview
- Reps. Dan Goldman and Eric Swalwell introduced the ICE OUT Act, which would eliminate qualified immunity for immigration agents and codify a right to sue federal officers for constitutional violations.
- Lawmakers in at least eight states, including California, Colorado, New York, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Oregon, Virginia and Washington, have proposed measures to let residents sue federal immigration officers.
- Illinois enacted a law allowing suits against federal officers who knowingly violate rights, and the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit challenging that statute.
- The legislative push follows the fatal shootings of Minnesota residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis, which intensified demands for accountability.
- Civil-rights attorneys are urging use of the Federal Tort Claims Act to seek damages from the U.S. government, citing past seven-figure recoveries and noting strict filing timelines and limits after the Supreme Court’s narrowing of Bivens claims.