Criminal Justice (Policing · Government Transparency)

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to release specific documents and materials related to two types of incidents: any officer-involved shootings that occurred on or after January 20, 2025, and any deaths of individuals in DHS custody during the same period. The law mandates that the DHS Secretary provide these records to congressional committees within 30 days of the bill's enactment. Required materials include video footage from body cameras and other recording devices, written reports, witness statements, internal communications, training records, and any disciplinary actions taken against involved officers. The bill also specifies that documents should be provided in unredacted form whenever possible, with written justifications required for any redactions made under legal authority.

This bill, titled the Homeland Security Improvement Act, creates a new independent commission to oversee border security activities and improve transparency within the Department of Homeland Security. The commission would consist of 30 members appointed by congressional leaders and would include representatives from border communities, civil rights groups, law enforcement, and tribal officials to evaluate policies and make recommendations. The bill also establishes an Ombudsman office to handle complaints from individuals affected by border and immigration enforcement, provides mandatory training for border agents focused on civil rights and community relations, and requires detailed data collection on border stops and enforcement actions to improve accountability.