Stop ICE's Unconstitutional Use of Facial Recognition Technology

I am deeply concerned about the recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents using facial recognition technology on individuals in public spaces to verify citizenship. This practice, as documented in social media videos, represents a dangerous overreach of federal power and a clear violation of our constitutional rights. A particularly alarming incident occurred in Chicago, where Border Patrol agents stopped two young men on bicycles. When one individual stated he didn't have identification, an agent used a phone to scan his face for identity verification. This encounter, far from any national border, demonstrates how pervasive and intrusive these practices have become. The use of facial recognition technology by immigration enforcement agencies in public spaces is a direct threat to our privacy and civil liberties. It creates an atmosphere of constant surveillance, eroding the freedom of movement and association that are fundamental to our democracy. Moreover, this technology is known to have higher error rates for people of color, potentially leading to wrongful detentions and deportations. I urge you to take immediate action to halt this unconstitutional practice. Specifically, I ask that you: 1. Introduce or support legislation to prohibit ICE and CBP from using facial recognition technology on the public without a warrant. 2. Call for congressional hearings to investigate the extent of this practice and its impact on civil liberties. 3. Demand transparency from ICE and CBP regarding their use of facial recognition technology, including data retention policies and accuracy rates. The normalization of such invasive surveillance techniques sets a dangerous precedent for all Americans, regardless of their immigration status. We must act now to protect our constitutional rights and prevent the further erosion of our privacy in public spaces. Your swift action on this matter is crucial to upholding the values of privacy and freedom that our nation holds dear. I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to address this urgent issue.