Thompson, Raskin Demand Noem Investigate Reports of ICE Counsel Expressing Racist and Xenophobic Views Online Since 2012
“Americans must be able to trust that career Federal law enforcement officials are apolitical and impartial in their work”
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding she launch an immediate investigation – and pursue appropriate disciplinary action if verified – into reports that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Chief Counsel, James Rodden, openly expresses racist and xenophobic views online since 2012.
Letter excerpt:
Researchers with more than twenty years of combined experience as open-source intelligence analysts have reviewed publicly available posts, court documents, and school records and determined that Mr. Rodden runs the account. Mr. Rodden has declined to answer media inquiries on the matter.
As you may be aware, the ICE Code of Conduct prohibits personnel from engaging in behavior on or off duty that may “cause the public or ICE to question the reliability, judgement, or trustworthiness of its employees” or that would “discredit the employee, embarrass or bring ICE into disrepute” or “interfere with or adversely affect ICE’s mission.” Anyone making racist statements and suggesting violence against immigrants is unfit to represent the United States government in immigration proceedings.
Click here to read the full letter.
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