United States Representative Andrea Salinas and Senator Jeff Merkley on Monday unveiled legislation aimed at holding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection legally responsible for violations of individuals’ constitutional rights.
The bill, known as the ICE and CBP Constitutional Accountability Act, would establish a clear legal pathway for lawsuits against the federal government over constitutional breaches committed by ICE or CBP officers.
The two Democratic lawmakers from Oregon said the proposal responds to expanded immigration enforcement funding approved under the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocated more than $150 billion to ICE, CBP and the US Department of Homeland Security.
They argue the funding has fueled what they describe as aggressive and abusive enforcement practices during the Trump administration.
“President (Donald) Trump’s immigration enforcers are violating our constitutional rights,” Salinas said in a statement.
She further said the Trump administration has “no intention” of holding ICE and CBP accountable for their “abuses of power.”
“This bill would force accountability on the administration by allowing people to sue the federal government when ICE and CBP violate their rights, which deters illegal enforcement practices and prevents ICE and CBP from operating with impunity. No one is above the law, and this bill ensures that.”
Merkley voiced similar concerns, alleging that federal immigration agents have undermined constitutional protections, including free speech and due process rights.
He said the proposed legislation would provide Americans with legal mechanisms to hold the federal government responsible for misconduct by immigration officers.
“If we allow Trump to continue using ICE and CBP to stoke fear and even kill innocents, we surrender the values that define us as Americans,” Merkley said.
