‘No Vigilantes Act’ would require ICE and Border Patrol to show ID during raids

California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, a Democrat representing Pasadena, introduced legislation to address growing concerns over “vigilantes” impersonating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. California’s SB 805 proposes new penalties and oversight measures aimed at both civilians and law enforcement officers.

As immigration raids continue to sweep Southern California, many have expressed fear that people are taking advantage of the anonymity of federal agents, many of whom arrive masked and clad in unmarked tactical gear.

The bill, known as the No Vigilantes Act (SB 805), seeks to update state law to reflect a surge in reported impersonation incidents and the confusion caused by federal enforcement tactics. The proposed measure would broaden existing statutes around impersonating law enforcement.

According to the proposed bill’s language, SB 805 would require that all personnel of a law enforcement agency operating in California “visibly display identification that includes either a name or badge number to the public when performing their duties. The bill defines law enforcement broadly, including anyone acting “on behalf of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency.”

Undercover law enforcement officers are exempt.

By creating new enforcement requirements and penalties, the measure establishes a state-mandated local program, adding responsibilities for law enforcement agencies across the state.Violations of this requirement would be treated as misdemeanors. 

SB 805 also grants law enforcement the authority to request ID from individuals claiming to be government employees when there is “probable cause or reasonable suspicion of a crime,” such as impersonation, or when legitimate safety concerns arise.

Provisions also include restricting the role of private bounty hunters, specifically barring them from participating in any immigration enforcement activities within the state. Additionally, it would also require a person “authorized to apprehend a bail fugitive” to keep a defendant’s immigration status confidential.

If passed, the No Vigilantes Act would mark a significant shift in California’s approach to immigration enforcement transparency and provide some additional safety measures for community members.