The Emergency Responder Protection Act restricts immigration enforcement actions by federal agents from occurring within 1,000 feet of protected emergency locations, such as disaster relief sites, evacuation routes, and facilities providing emergency services. Enforcement agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection can only conduct operations in these zones during genuine emergencies—such as imminent threats to safety, terrorism concerns, or hot pursuit of dangerous suspects—and must immediately cease operations once those circumstances end. If agents are uncertain whether an emergency exists, they must stop and consult their supervisor before proceeding. The bill requires immigration officers to act discreetly and minimally when near these protected locations, and any evidence gathered in violation of these rules cannot be used in deportation proceedings. The legislation mandates annual training for agency personnel, requires detailed reporting to the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General for each enforcement action at protected locations, and calls for annual reports to Congress on all such actions and related complaints. The rules take effect 90 days after passage, with the Department of Homeland Security given an additional 90 days to issue implementing regulations.
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