Homeland Security Improvement Act

This bill establishes the position of Ombudsman for Border and Immigration Related Concerns within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The ombudsman shall

• establish an independent, neutral, and standardized process to assist individuals in resolving complaints related to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and related entities;
• make recommendations to DHS to address chronic issues identified in the complaints process;
• establish a Border Oversight Panel, which shall make recommendations related to border enforcement policies and strategies;
• review ICE and CBP compliance with departmental policies and standards of care for detained aliens;
• establish a Border Community Liaison in each Border Patrol sector on the northern and southern borders, which shall consult with and receive feedback from border communities on ICE and CBP policies and activities;
• conduct yearly evaluations of training for ICE and CBP agents and officers, including whether such training adequately addresses the use of force and civil rights issues;
• develop recommendations for establishing an electronic number system for tracking a child that has been separated from a parent, legal guardian, or relative; and
• report to Congress a plan to require the use of body-worn cameras by Border Patrol agents and ICE officers.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov