New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09258

Introduced
2/19/26  

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

The implications of S09258 are substantial. By establishing strict requirements for federal agents, the bill seeks to mitigate fears and confusion among communities that may feel threatened by unidentified federal enforcement actions. Additionally, the bill introduces specific protocols for documenting and reporting violations by federal agents, empowering state and local law enforcement to act if these rules are breached. The Attorney General will have investigatory authority to address violations, which may bolster local and statewide efforts to uphold civil liberties.

Summary

S09258, known as the 'Facial Identification and Transparency in Immigration Enforcement Act', aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of federal immigration enforcement actions within New York State. The bill mandates that federal immigration agents, such as those from ICE, must visibly display their identification during enforcement activities and prohibits them from concealing their identities with masks or other face coverings, except in certain circumstances like public health emergencies. This is designed to ensure that residents clearly know who is conducting enforcement actions that may affect them.

Contention

Debate surrounding S09258 is likely to center on the tension between state regulation and federal immigration powers. Supporters argue that it is essential for protecting civil rights and ensuring fair treatment for all individuals, especially within immigrant communities. Critics, however, may contend that such measures could obstruct federal law enforcement efforts and raise concerns about immigration control. The effectiveness of the bill in practice and its relationship to existing federal policies will be crucial topics in discussions of this legislation.

Companion Bills

NY A08995

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 A08995

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 H0315

Immigration, Law Enforcement, and State-issued Identification

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 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.