Pasadena Congresswoman Leads Push for Immigration ID Bill Following Incident in Local District

Citing a controversial immigration enforcement incident that in her own district, Pasadena Congresswoman Judy Chu has co-sponsored new federal legislation requiring immigration officers to visibly display agency identification during public operations.

The measure, titled the Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of July 23, was introduced Tuesday by Chu, along with Representatives Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California and Veronica Escobar of Texas. A press release from the lawmakers said the bill was developed in response to immigration raids where officers wore unmarked tactical gear and face coverings that concealed their identities.

Chu said the need for clear identification became evident during an incident in her district when masked ICE agents detained community members — including individuals headed to assist in local Eaton Fire recovery — while refusing to identify themselves and brandishing firearms. She described the actions as part of Trump administration raids that “indiscriminately targeted entire communities” and undermined due process.

The VISIBLE Act would apply to all personnel involved in public immigration enforcement, including agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, federally assigned officers, and deputized state or local personnel. It would require legible display of agency affiliation and either a name or badge number unobscured by gear. Non-medical face coverings would be prohibited unless used during covert operations or for safety in environmental hazards.

Fellow sponsor Gonzalez said the legislation offers a “common sense fix” to prevent confusion and ensure safety for both the public and enforcement officers. Kamlager-Dove and Escobar also voiced concerns about impersonation risks and fear-based tactics enabled by enforcement actions carried out without identification.

The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish disciplinary protocols, investigate complaints through its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and report annually to Congress. It excludes covert operations and criminal-only enforcement activities.

A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Alex Padilla of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey.