During a House Rules Committee hearing on January 21, 2026, Rep. Julie Johnson of Texas spoke in opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed funding bill, arguing that it fails to address what she described as serious and ongoing misconduct by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Johnson said Congress has a responsibility to ensure that federal agencies operate within the law and respect constitutional rights, and she presented four amendments aimed at strengthening accountability and oversight.
Johnson opened her remarks by asserting that, since the beginning of the current administration, ICE has engaged in actions that raise concerns about due process and civil liberties. She cited allegations of warrantless home entries, excessive use of force, racial profiling, and wrongful detentions, including cases involving U.S. citizens. In her view, these incidents reflect systemic problems rather than isolated mistakes, and she argued that existing oversight mechanisms have not been sufficient to prevent or correct them.
The first amendment Johnson proposed would remove qualified immunity protections for ICE agents. Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that shields government officials from civil liability in many cases. Johnson argued that while the doctrine was intended to protect officers acting in good faith, it has instead been used to avoid accountability when misconduct occurs. Her amendment would allow individuals to pursue civil claims when ICE agents violate the law or constitutional rights.
Her second amendment would require ICE agents to inform detained individuals of their Miranda rights. Johnson said this step would reinforce basic Fifth Amendment protections, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. She emphasized that these rights apply to everyone within the United States, regardless of immigration status, and that clear communication is essential to ensuring fair treatment during arrests or detentions.
The third amendment focuses on due process timelines. Johnson proposed requiring a prompt hearing for anyone detained by ICE, arguing that individuals should not be held for extended periods without being informed of the charges against them or given an opportunity to respond. She said prolonged or indefinite detention without a hearing undermines constitutional safeguards and can lead to serious personal and legal consequences.
Her fourth amendment would mandate investigations into all ICE-involved shootings and create clearer pathways for accountability. Johnson said independent review is necessary when force is used, particularly in cases where injuries or deaths occur. She referenced incidents in which she believes investigations were incomplete or delayed, and argued that transparent review processes are essential for maintaining public trust.
Throughout her testimony, Johnson framed her proposals as an effort to restore balance between law enforcement authority and individual rights. She said that enforcing immigration law does not require abandoning constitutional principles, and that accountability strengthens, rather than weakens, public safety. Johnson also criticized what she described as a lack of intervention by DHS leadership, arguing that congressional action is necessary when executive oversight falls short.
Johnson concluded by urging the Rules Committee to allow her amendments to move forward for consideration. She said the funding bill presents an opportunity for Congress to reaffirm its commitment to due process, equal protection, and the rule of law. In her view, the debate is not only about immigration enforcement, but about whether federal agencies can be held accountable to the same legal standards as the people they serve.
Source: Congresswoman Julie Johnson
