Rep. Sykes Introduces COOL IT Act to Strengthen Immigration Officer Training, Improve Safety, and Promote Accountability

Rep. Sykes Introduces COOL IT Act to Strengthen Immigration Officer Training, Improve Safety, and Promote Accountability

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced the Critical Operation Oversight of Law Enforcement Intervention and Training Act, or the COOL IT Act, legislation to modernize immigration officer training through annual scenario-based instruction focused on de-escalation, officer safety, crisis intervention, and community relations.

The COOL IT Act requires the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) to develop and implement a comprehensive annual training curriculum for immigration officers within 90 days of enactment and to submit a report to Congress in 180 days outlining the benefits and barriers of delivering the curriculum, along with recommendations to improve access to training for immigration officers nationwide.

Officers would also be required to obtain de-escalation training credits yearly to renew the important skills needed to keep peaceful streets. The curriculum would include instruction on improving community-police relations, situational awareness, critical decision-making, physical and emotional responses to stress, use of force standards, and crisis intervention.

"In high-pressure situations, proper training can make all the difference," said Rep. Sykes. "The COOL IT Act ensures immigration officers have the tools they need to make sound decisions, protect public safety, and engage with communities professionally and responsibly. This bill is about reducing unnecessary conflict, improving outcomes, and raising standards for everyone involved."

The legislation also requires DHS to consult with law enforcement associations, community-based organizations, and defense and national security agencies when developing the curriculum. Additionally, the department would evaluate best practices in scenario-based training, provide technical assistance to agencies implementing the curriculum, and establish a certification process for successful completion.

To increase preparedness, the bill also mandates that ICE officers and employees complete no fewer than 67 days of training before carrying out immigration enforcement duties.

Rep. Sykes has consistently advocated for smart, effective public safety policies that prioritize accountability, professionalism, and community trust.

Third Way is endorsing the COOL IT Act.

"Americans deserve immigration enforcement that is serious, disciplined, and worthy of public confidence. That starts with making sure every officer carrying out immigration enforcement-whether federal, state, or local-is trained for the actual situations they will face in the field. Representative Sykes' bill is a practical step toward replacing chaos and improvisation with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the communities officers serve," said Sarah Pierce, Third Way Director of Social Policy.

Text of the bill can be found here.