Rep. Dan Goldman's 'No Secret Police Act' Gains Momentum with 100 Cosponsors in the House

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Dan Goldman's No Secret Police Act has gained significant support in the House of Representatives, reaching 100 cosponsors from Democrats in Congress. This legislation aims to rein in the Trump administration's use of masked, anonymous federal agents engaged in border security and civil immigration enforcement. The bill, introduced with Congressman Adriano Espaillat in June, would require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals. Goldman has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's escalation of authoritarian immigration enforcement tactics, standing with immigrant communities across New York and the nation who are demanding accountability, transparency, and democratic principles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The No Secret Police Act has reached 100 cosponsors in the House of Representatives, a major show of support from Democrats for legislation to rein in the Trump administration's use of masked, anonymous federal agents.
  • The bill, introduced by Rep. Dan Goldman and Congressman Adriano Espaillat in June, would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals.
  • The bill specifically prohibits DHS officers from wearing face coverings or any item that conceals their face during detentions or arrests.
  • It requires that DHS officers identify the specific component they work for (such as ICE or CBP) and mandate that officers wear or display official insignia or uniforms clearly visible to others.
  • The bill also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to invest in research and development to ensure visibility of DHS insignia and uniforms under a wide range of conditions.
  • Rep. Goldman has led the charge against Trump's escalation of authoritarian immigration enforcement tactics, standing with immigrant communities across New York and the nation who are demanding accountability, transparency, and democratic principles.
  • Goldman has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its continued refusal to allow members of Congress to access ICE detention facilities, including the 26 Federal Plaza in his district.
  • Congressman Goldman and Senator Elizabeth Warren led over 50 colleagues in demanding an immediate investigation into reports that U.S. citizens are being wrongfully detained and deported by federal immigration agents under the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

Statistics:

  • The No Secret Police Act has reached 100 cosponsors in the House of Representatives as of September 23.
  • 11 Members of Congress, including Rep. Dan Goldman, filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its continued refusal to allow members of Congress to access ICE detention facilities.
  • 50 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Goldman and Senator Elizabeth Warren, demanded an immediate investigation into reports that U.S. citizens are being wrongfully detained and deported by federal immigration agents.

Sources:

  • Rep. Dan Goldman's press release, September 23, 2022.
  • Goldman.house.gov, "Rep. Dan Goldman's No Secret Police Act Reaches 100 Cosponsors in the House."