New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08995

Introduced
8/13/25  
Refer
8/13/25  

Caption

Enacts the "facial identification and transparency in immigration enforcement act"; requires federal immigration enforcement agents to identify themselves as such when conducting enforcement activities.

Impact

If enacted, A08995 would amend existing state laws regarding how federal immigration agents operate within New York. This change is seen as a means to both protect civil liberties and foster more trust between communities and law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the legislation establishes protocols for documentation and reporting violations of these identification requirements, empowering local law enforcement to act against non-compliance by federal agents.

Summary

Bill A08995, titled the "Facial Identification and Transparency in Immigration Enforcement Act," proposes significant changes to how federal immigration enforcement is conducted in New York State. The bill mandates that federal agents, particularly from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), must clearly identify themselves through visible identification when carrying out enforcement activities. The intent of this legislation is to enhance transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement actions, which are often shrouded in secrecy, potentially undermining public trust and safety.

Contention

The bill has spurred discussions surrounding civil rights and the balance of power between state and federal authorities. Supporters argue that the bill will alleviate community fears regarding unmarked agents conducting enforcement activities without clear accountability. However, some critics express concern that stricter regulations on federal operations could hinder immigration enforcement efforts and may conflict with federal authority, raising questions about the tension between local protective measures and national immigration policies.

Companion Bills

NY S09258

Same As Enacts the "facial identification and transparency in immigration enforcement act"; requires federal immigration enforcement agents to identify themselves as such when conducting enforcement activities.

Previously Filed As

NY S09258

Enacts the "facial identification and transparency in immigration enforcement act"; requires federal immigration enforcement agents to identify themselves as such when conducting enforcement activities.

NY HB1275

Law Enforcement Identification & Immigration Training Requirements

NY A08994

Requires police and peace officers receive a lawful order before assisting with immigration enforcement; requires federal agents identify themselves at the request of public officers, police officers or peace officers; establishes penalties for federal agents who fail to identify themselves.

NY H0315

Immigration, Law Enforcement, and State-issued Identification

NY S0328

Immigration, Law Enforcement, and State-issued Identification

NY S3216

"Transparency in Federal Law Enforcement Activities Act"; establishes law enforcement officer identification requirements under certain circumstances.

NY S09104

Relates to state and local law enforcement agency coordination with the federal government for purposes of immigration enforcement, to the release of noncitizen incarcerated individuals for federal immigration purposes, and to immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.

NY SB389

Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies; covered immigration officers wear visible identification during public immigration enforcement functions; require

NY S08858

Requires the creation of an immigration enforcement activity transparency dashboard, which shall be made publicly available, to track certain information relating to immigration authorities activities within New York state.

NY A09376

Requires the creation of an immigration enforcement activity transparency dashboard, which shall be made publicly available, to track certain information relating to immigration authorities activities within New York state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.