🔥 Lawmakers Warn of ‘Fear and Abuse’ as ICE Practices Spark Explosive Hearing on Civil Rights

A heated congressional hearing exposed growing alarm over immigration enforcement tactics, as Representative Julie Johnson delivered a forceful rebuke of Governor Kristy Gnome’s testimony, warning that fear, intimidation, and unchecked authority are eroding constitutional protections across the country.

Johnson argued that the United States is facing a dangerous escalation of fear—fear of law enforcement, fear among immigrant communities, and fear even among citizens—driven by rhetoric and policies flowing from the top of government. She warned that when fear replaces trust, public safety and democratic stability are put at risk.

At the center of her remarks was a sharp rejection of claims that the administration is “restoring the rule of law.” Johnson emphasized that the rule of law is rooted in two non-negotiable principles: arrests must be based on probable cause, and every detained individual is entitled to due process. She argued that both are being routinely violated.

Citing a visit to an ICE detention facility outside Dallas, Johnson revealed that more than 70 percent of detainees were classified as low-risk individuals with no criminal history. She suggested these detentions were driven by profiling rather than evidence, raising concerns that enforcement priorities have drifted far from genuine national security threats.

The hearing grew more intense as Johnson described cases in which American citizens were allegedly assaulted and detained by ICE despite clearly stating their citizenship. One case involved an elderly man who reportedly suffered broken ribs and a brain injury after being knocked to the ground. If confirmed, Johnson said, such incidents represent a grave constitutional failure.

While stressing her support for targeting real threats such as terrorism and cybercrime, Johnson drew a clear line between lawful enforcement and abuse of power. She acknowledged that many ICE and Border Patrol agents perform their duties professionally, but warned that “bad actors” are exceeding their authority without consequences.

Johnson accused federal leadership of failing to rein in misconduct, ignoring repeated letters from Congress, and even reinstating officers previously deemed to have acted inappropriately. That lack of accountability, she argued, is rapidly destroying public trust in law enforcement institutions.

The exchange underscored a deeper national tension over immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and oversight. As trust erodes and fear spreads, lawmakers warned that the consequences will extend far beyond politics—shaping public safety, community relations, and the integrity of constitutional rights themselves.