February 4, 2026
Families demand answers as DHS probes ICE agents' shocking use-of-force tactics
Review launched Jan. 8 as Democrats demand faster timeline
🛂Immigration⚖️Justice
Congressional Democrats sent a letter to DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari on Feb. 3, 2026. The letter revealed Cuffari launched a review of ICE and Border Patrol tactics on Jan. 8, 2026. Democrats are urging him to accelerate the investigation.
The Inspector General Act of 1978 created independent watchdogs within federal agencies. IGs investigate waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct. They report to both the agency head and Congress. The president can fire an IG but must notify Congress 30 days in advance.
Joseph Cuffari has served as DHS Inspector General since 2019. He's faced criticism from Democrats for slow investigations and failure to preserve text messages from Secret Service agents after Jan. 6, 2021. His office has a backlog of open investigations.
The review examines at least four fatal shootings since September 2025. These include Renee Good, killed Jan. 7 by Border Patrol agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, and Alex Pretti, killed in a separate Minneapolis incident. Marimar Martinez survived being shot seven times.
IGs can subpoena documents, interview employees, and access agency records. They can't fire employees, change policies, or issue binding orders. They issue reports with recommendations for discipline and reform. Agency heads can accept or reject recommendations.
Democrats are using the IG investigation to build leverage for the Feb. 13 DHS funding negotiations. They want body camera requirements, warrant procedures, and use-of-force standards. The IG's findings will support their case for restrictions.
IG investigations typically take months or years. Democrats want faster results before the Feb. 13 deadline. Cuffari has discretion over investigation speed. He can issue preliminary findings if needed but usually waits for complete review.
🛂Immigration⚖️Justice
People, bills, and sources
Joseph V. Cuffari
DHS Inspector General
Renee Good
VA Nurse, Shooting Victim
Jonathan Ross
Border Patrol Agent
Alex Pretti
ICU Nurse, Shooting Victim
Marimar Martinez
Shooting Survivor
Kristi L. Noem
Homeland Security Secretary
Ilhan Omar
U.S. Representative (D-MN)
Kelly Morrison
U.S. Representative (D-MN)
Angie Craig
U.S. Representative (D-MN)
Victor Mojica
ICE Officer
What you can do
1
civic action
File complaints with DHS Inspector General about ICE/Border Patrol misconduct
If you witnessed or experienced excessive force by ICE or Border Patrol agents, file a complaint to support the ongoing investigation into use-of-force tactics and patterns of misconduct.
2
civic action
Demand congressional oversight of DHS enforcement policies
Urge Congress to investigate DHS visitation restrictions, use-of-force policies, and accountability mechanisms for ICE and Border Patrol agents following multiple fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
3
civic action
Support families of victims of immigration enforcement violence
Donate to legal defense funds and advocacy organizations supporting families like the Goods and Prettis who lost loved ones to immigration enforcement violence.
4
civic action
Monitor and document ICE/Border Patrol activities in your community
Learn your rights during immigration encounters and document enforcement activities to support accountability efforts and protect community members.
5
civic action
Advocate for state and local police oversight of federal agents
Support legislation requiring federal immigration agents to coordinate with local law enforcement and be subject to the same accountability standards as police departments.
6
civic action
Join local immigrant rights advocacy groups
Connect with local organizations working to protect immigrant communities from excessive enforcement and advocate for comprehensive immigration reform.