Bill Summary
The "No Vigilante Checkpoints and Civil Rights Protection Act of 2026" is a legislative proposal aimed at safeguarding individuals' civil rights against unauthorized actions by private citizens or organizations that mimic law enforcement. The bill is grounded in the protections guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Key provisions include:
1. **Prohibition on Unauthorized Law Enforcement Actions**: It makes it illegal for individuals to conduct vehicle stops, demand identification, or engage in surveillance without lawful authority, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement.
2. **Penalties for Violations**: Violators can face imprisonment of up to five years or fines, with harsher penalties (up to ten years) for aggravated offenses that involve the use of weapons, cause bodily harm, or interfere with federal operations.
3. **Civil Remedies**: Individuals harmed by such unlawful acts have the right to file civil lawsuits against those responsible, including individuals, organizations, or government entities that failed to prevent such conduct. Courts may award significant statutory damages as well as other forms of relief.
4. **No Qualified Immunity**: Defendants in these civil actions cannot claim qualified immunity, making it easier for victims to seek justice.
5. **Severability Clause**: If any part of the Act is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.
The Act aims to reinforce constitutional protections and ensure public safety by deterring unlawful vigilante actions that undermine trust in legitimate law enforcement.
Possible Impacts
The "No Vigilante Checkpoints and Civil Rights Protection Act of 2026" could impact individuals in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Protection from Unlawful Detentions**: This legislation explicitly prohibits private individuals or organizations from stopping or detaining individuals without lawful authority. As a result, individuals will have a greater assurance that they will not be unlawfully stopped or questioned by vigilantes posing as law enforcement. This could lead to increased feelings of safety and freedom from harassment, particularly among marginalized communities who may be disproportionately targeted by such conduct.
2. **Legal Recourse and Accountability**: The Act provides a private right of action for individuals who are subjected to unlawful checkpoints or identity demands. This means that victims can sue not only the individuals directly involved but also organizations or government entities that allowed or failed to prevent these actions. As a consequence, individuals will have a legal avenue to seek justice and compensation, potentially deterring future violations and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
3. **Criminal Penalties for Violators**: The legislation establishes criminal penalties for those who unlawfully assume government authority to conduct vehicle stops and identity checks. With penalties that could include imprisonment of up to five years (or ten years for aggravated offenses), there is a clear deterrent against such conduct. This could reduce the prevalence of unlawful vigilante actions, thereby enhancing public trust in lawful law enforcement and contributing to a more orderly and respectful community environment.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7572 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7572
To protect the civil rights of individuals against unlawful vigilante
checkpoints and identity demands, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 13, 2026
Mr. Crenshaw introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To protect the civil rights of individuals against unlawful vigilante
checkpoints and identity demands, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No Vigilante Checkpoints and Civil
Rights Protection Act of 2026''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Fourth Amendment protects the right of individuals
to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, including
unlawful vehicle stops and demands for identification.
(2) In recent years, private individuals and organizations
have engaged in conduct resembling law enforcement activities,
including vehicle stops, identity checks, and license plate
surveillance, without lawful authority.
(3) Such conduct undermines public safety, interferes with
Federal operations, and deprives individuals of rights secured
by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
(4) Congress has authority under article I, section 8, and
section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment to protect civil rights
and ensure the unobstructed execution of Federal law.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON FALSE ASSUMPTION OF GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY IN
IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 33 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 709 the following:
``Sec. 709A. False assumption of government authority in law
enforcement
``(a) Offense.--Whoever, without lawful authority, knowingly--
``(1) stops, detains, or attempts to stop or detain any
individual or vehicle on a public roadway;
``(2) demands or requests identification;
``(3) demands or requests to search property or persons; or
``(4) uses or operates any device or system to collect,
access, or analyze license plate or vehicle identification
data.
For the purpose of enforcing, monitoring, obstructing, or influencing
Federal law enforcement operations, shall be guilty of an offense under
this section.
``(b) Penalties.--A violation of this section shall be punishable
by--
``(1) imprisonment for not more than 5 years;
``(2) a fine under this title; or
``(3) both.
``(c) Aggravated Offense.--If the offense--
``(1) involves the use or display of a firearm or other
dangerous weapon;
``(2) results in bodily injury; or
``(3) interferes with or targets a Federal officer or
Federal operation;
the offender shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years.
``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prohibit lawful protest, speech, or assembly that does not
involve conduct described in subsection (a).''.
SEC. 4. CIVIL ACTION FOR UNLAWFUL CHECKPOINTS AND IDENTITY DEMANDS.
(a) Private Right of Action.--Any person aggrieved by conduct
prohibited under section 709A of title 18, United States Code, may
bring a civil action in an appropriate United States district court
against--
(1) any individual who engaged in such conduct;
(2) any organization that directed, financed, coordinated,
or materially supported such conduct; or
(3) any governmental entity that knowingly permitted,
authorized, or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent such
conduct on public property under its control.
(b) Relief.--In a civil action under this section, a court may
award--
(1) statutory damages of not less than $10,000 per
violation, without regard to proof of actual damages;
(2) compensatory damages;
(3) punitive damages, where appropriate;
(4) injunctive or declaratory relief; and
(5) reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
(c) No Qualified Immunity.--Qualified immunity or any similar
defense shall not be available to any defendant in an action brought
under this section.
(d) Statute of Limitations.--An action under this section may be
brought not later than 5 years after the date on which the violation
occurred.
SEC. 5. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the Act and
the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances
shall not be affected.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect on the date of its enactment.
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