Short title

This Act may be cited as the

No Vigilante Checkpoints and Civil Rights Protection Act of 2026

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.

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:

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).

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.

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.

Effective date

This Act shall take effect on the date of its enactment.