Department of Justice

The law assigns the state prosecutor—normally the Attorney General—to investigate these deaths, publicly report findings, and prosecute violations of state law when warranted.

What the law does ​

• Requires an independent, transparent, and thorough investigation of each immigration enforcement officer shooting that results in an unarmed civilian’s death.
• Requires written reports stating the facts and detailed analysis and conclusions on each investigative issue.
• Requires public posting and maintenance of the reports, with legally confidential information redacted.
• Requires documentation when blocked access to witnesses, documents, or evidence prevents a full independent investigation.
• Authorizes criminal prosecution of an involved officer when charges are warranted.
• Preserves the Attorney General’s existing authority and does not regulate federal agents or impose obligations inconsistent with federal constitutional supremacy.

Who it affects ​

• Immigration enforcement officers involved in shootings that kill unarmed civilians.
• The Attorney General and any other named state prosecutor.
• Families and communities seeking public information about covered shootings.

Context ​

The Attorney General is the state prosecutor unless another prosecutor is specified or named.