“ICE Out of Our Faces Act” would ban ICE and CBP use of facial recognition

A group of Senate Democrats has put forward a legislative proposal known as the 'ICE Out of Our Faces Act.' This initiative seeks to prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from utilizing facial recognition technology. If enacted, the bill would render it illegal for any immigration officer under its jurisdiction to acquire, hold, access, or deploy any biometric surveillance systems within the United States. Furthermore, it mandates the deletion of all previously collected data from such systems. The scope of the ban extends beyond facial recognition, encompassing various biometric technologies, including voice recognition. Additionally, the proposed legislation would prevent the federal government from employing data obtained from biometric surveillance systems in legal proceedings or investigations. It also empowers individuals to seek financial reparations from the federal government for any breaches of this law, while state attorneys general would have the authority to file lawsuits on behalf of affected residents. The bill was introduced by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) during a press conference, where he was joined by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). The Senate bill has gained support from Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). During the press event, Markey emphasized the alarming implications of unchecked surveillance, stating that ICE and CBP have developed a significant arsenal of monitoring technologies targeting both citizens and non-citizens. He described facial recognition technology as a pivotal element of a widespread digital surveillance effort in the country.