Riverside County Leaders Push Back Against ICE, DHS Tactics

Concerns over due process, treatment of detainees, and lack of uniforms and body cameras worn by federal agents have ratcheted up tensions.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:15pm

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In recent weeks, criticism of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has intensified, with concerns over due process, treatment of detainees, lethal and less-than-lethal force against U.S. citizens, and lack of uniforms and body cameras worn by federal agents. California leaders, including some in Riverside County, are pushing back against DHS tactics, with a group of more than a dozen members of Congress filing an amended complaint and emergency motion seeking to restore their "right and duty" to conduct oversight of ICE detention facilities.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, including the use of unmarked federal agents and the refusal to cooperate with state and local investigations, have raised concerns about civil liberties and the rule of law. California's efforts to push back, including passing a law requiring federal agents to wear identification, reflect the broader political tensions over immigration policy.

The details

In August 2025, the DHS launched a recruitment campaign for ICE, offering incentives like hiring bonuses and student loan forgiveness. This led to a surge in ICE agents, and an increase in the removal of people alleged to be in the country illegally, including in Riverside County. However, concerns have grown over the tactics used by these federal agents, including the use of unmarked vehicles, facemasks, and the lack of body cameras. California has passed a law requiring federal agents to wear identification, and several cities, including Riverside and Jurupa Valley, have passed resolutions building on this state law.

  • On August 6, 2025, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a bevy of incentives for Americans to join Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • In September 2025, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that bans ICE agents — and most law enforcement officers — from wearing masks to hide their identities.
  • In June 2025, the Trump administration federalized and deployed California National Guard troops in Los Angeles in response to immigration protests.
  • In December 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's reach in federalizing the California National Guard troops.

The players

Kristi Noem

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary who announced incentives for Americans to join ICE in August 2025.

Gavin Newsom

California Governor who signed a law in September 2025 that bans ICE agents and most law enforcement officers from wearing masks to hide their identities.

Raul Ruiz

Democratic Representative who represents Riverside County's 25th Congressional District and was among the members who signed on to the amended complaint and emergency motion seeking to restore congressional oversight of ICE detention facilities.

Rob Bonta

California Attorney General who, in coordination with Governor Newsom, issued guidance reminding state and local law enforcement of their concurrent jurisdiction to investigate potential state law crimes committed by federal agents.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump administration is using billions of taxpayer dollars to carry out a violent and lawless immigration agenda with virtually no transparency or accountability. This is not only deeply dangerous — it is an affront to the rule of law and to our constitutional duty as Members of Congress.”

— Raul Ruiz, U.S. Representative

“Federal and state law enforcement have long collaborated on investigations that result in both federal and state criminal charges, with a presumption that neither law enforcement agency will obstruct the other's investigations or thwart the objective pursuit of justice.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

What’s next

It remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the amended complaint and emergency motion filed by the members of Congress seeking to restore their oversight of ICE detention facilities.

The takeaway

The tensions between the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and California's efforts to push back highlight the broader political and legal battles over immigration policy and civil liberties. The outcome of these disputes could have significant implications for the balance of power between federal and state authorities.