The ICE Accountability Act establishes an independent Commission for Independent Monitoring of Immigration Enforcement within the legislative branch to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and related immigration agencies. The Commission, led by four politically balanced monitors appointed by congressional leadership, would have broad authority to observe enforcement operations, access agency records and facilities, review complaints from the public, and issue monthly reports to Congress and the public about agencies' compliance with constitutional, statutory, and civil rights requirements. If the Commission finds serious or willful violations, it can refer cases to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution, hold public hearings, file civil lawsuits seeking compliance, and recommend reforms—with courts authorized to impose penalties of $500,000 per day for continued noncompliance. The bill also includes whistleblower protections for federal employees who report violations to the Commission. The legislation does not specify funding amounts but authorizes "such sums as may be necessary," and the Commission would automatically dissolve after at least four years if immigration agencies demonstrate substantial compliance for one continuous year, though it can resume operations if compliance lapses again.
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