January 15, 2026

Ramirez, Magaziner Lead Bill to Codify Use of Force Policy for the Department of Homeland Security

(WASHINGTON) — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL) and Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-RI) announced legislation to statutorily require a Department of Homeland Security policy on use of force and de-escalation by agents. The DHS Use of Force Oversight Act would also build a mechanism for reporting and oversight.

Under the Biden Administration in Feb 2023, DHS elected to implement a use-of-force policy that aligned with the Department of Justice’s policy. However, the Trump Administration has publicly disregarded the internal policy. Since July 2025, there have been at least 16 shootings with DHS agents involved, including the murder of innocent people like Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez in Chicago.

“DHS agents are not rogue. Since its establishment, DHS has operated without a legal requirement to establish and abide by basic policies, such as Use of Force policies. They have been empowered through a lack of oversight and too much latitude to violate our rights under the pretense of securing our safety,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “A Use of Force Policy should NOT be a suggestion - it should be mandated by law. The DHS Use of Force Oversight Act codifies a statutory requirement for DHS to have a use-of-force policy and brings ICE’s tactics into the light of transparency. It is the bare minimum to ensure oversight and accountability of DHS.”

“The chaos and cruelty we are seeing from Secretary Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security is a direct result of policies coming from the very top,” said Congressman Magaziner. “The DHS Use of Force Oversight Act requires that ICE and other DHS agencies to keep people safe by implementing the same standards as virtually every other law enforcement agency in the country.”

"Unfortunately, under Trump and Kristi Noem, there appears to be no limits on the use of force by DHS law enforcement officers and agents. The killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis last week is just the latest example of what can happen to any of us when Federal law enforcement doesn’t have strict rules to follow and are told they won’t be held accountable. This legislation will reign in the violent and deadly tactics of DHS law enforcement and increase transparency for both Congress and the public when deadly force occurs. I thank Representatives Ramirez and Magaziner for introducing this timely legislation and for their leadership on this issue," added Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS). Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security.

The DHS Use of Force Oversight Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to:

prohibit – not by internal policy, but by statute - the use of violent and mortal tactics like choke-holds and carotid restraints, and prioritizes de-escalation,
establishes a review committee to ensure that agents learn techniques that promote public safety over violence and harm,
and requires DHS to publish a report every six months, including the data of every use-of-force incident for transparency and accountability.

The bill is cosponsored by the CHS Ranking Member Rep Thompson, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02), Jasmin Crockett (TX-03), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Al Green (TX-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), John Larson (CT-01), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

To read the full legislative text, CLICK HERE.