SB389: SB389 Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies; covered immigration officers wear visible identification during public immigration enforcement functions; require

Currently Georgia law does not set rules about how immigration enforcement officers identify themselves during public operations in the state. This bill would add a new section to Georgia's law enforcement code requiring 'covered immigration officers,' defined as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers or employees, to wear visible identification any time they directly carry out a 'public immigration enforcement function,' such as patrols, stops, arrests, searches, interviews, raids, checkpoints, or serving warrants. The identification must show 'United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement' or 'ICE' legibly from at least 25 feet away, in materials visible in daylight and low light, along with the officer's last name or badge number, worn on the outermost garment where it cannot be hidden by gear. Officers would also be barred from wearing masks, hoods, or balaclavas that hide their face or the required identification, unless needed for a covert operation or to guard against hazardous conditions. The bill does not set an enforcement mechanism or penalty for violations in the text provided.

• Creates a new Georgia code section, O.C.G.A. § 35-1-17.1, requiring covered immigration officers to wear visible identification during public immigration enforcement functions.
• Defines 'covered immigration officer' as a person authorized to perform immigration enforcement who works for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Specifies that identification must display 'ICE' or the full agency name legibly from 25 feet, plus the officer's last name or badge number, on the outermost garment.
• Prohibits these officers from wearing masks, hoods, or balaclavas that hide their face or identification, except during covert operations or for protection from hazardous conditions.
• Repeals any existing Georgia laws that conflict with these new requirements.

The bill directly affects officers and employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who conduct public-facing immigration enforcement activities in Georgia, such as patrols, arrests, raids, and checkpoints, as well as members of the public who interact with or observe these officers.

If enacted, Georgians encountering ICE officers during arrests, raids, or checkpoints would generally be able to see the officer's agency and name or badge number, and officers could not routinely mask their faces, though exceptions exist for covert operations or hazardous conditions.

• Section 1 adds new Code Section 35-1-17.1 to Chapter 1 of Title 35, defining 'covered immigration officer,' 'public immigration enforcement function,' and 'visible identification.'
• Subsection (b) requires covered immigration officers to wear visible identification at all times while directly engaged in a public immigration enforcement function.
• Subsection (c) sets detailed specifications: identification legible from 25 feet, visible in daylight and low light, showing the officer's last name or badge number, worn on the outermost garment or gear.
• Subsection (d) bars nonmedical face coverings like masks, hoods, or balaclavas that hide the officer's face or the required identification, with exceptions for covert operations or hazardous environmental conditions.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting Georgia laws.

1. 2026-01-14Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-01-13Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)Primary sponsor
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)

• immigration enforcement
• ICE officer identification
• law enforcement transparency
• public safety