San Diego Democrats Demand Stricter Use-of-Force Standards for Immigration Agents

Lawmakers introduce bill to hold federal agents accountable after recent incidents of violence

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Members of the San Diego Democratic congressional delegation, including Reps. Juan Vargas, Mike Levin, and Sara Jacobs, have voiced support for a bill introduced by Rep. Scott Peters that would establish stricter use-of-force standards for federal immigration enforcement agents. The proposed legislation includes limitations on the use of military-style equipment, requires body cameras, and prohibits agents from identifying as "police" on their uniforms.

Why it matters

The move comes after recent incidents of violence involving federal immigration agents, which the lawmakers say have led to unnecessary deaths and chaos in American cities. The Democrats are demanding more accountability from the Department of Homeland Security and are threatening to withhold funding for the agency until reforms are made.

The details

Rep. Scott Peters introduced a bill that would establish stricter use-of-force standards for federal immigration enforcement agents. The legislation includes limitations on the use of military-style equipment, requires agents to wear body cameras, and prohibits them from identifying as "police" on their uniforms. The goal is to align federal immigration enforcement with the best practices of local law enforcement agencies.

  • On Tuesday, President Donald Trump expressed his support for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem amid the backlash after the killings of Pretti and Good in Minneapolis.
  • Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday that the Senate Democrats 'will not pass the DHS budget until is rewritten.'

The players

Rep. Scott Peters

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 52nd congressional district.

Rep. Juan Vargas

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 51st congressional district.

Rep. Mike Levin

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 49th congressional district.

Rep. Sara Jacobs

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 53rd congressional district.

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Neither should be dead today. Their deaths and the chaos that federal immigration officers have wreaked in American cities are tragedies, and this administration has refused to hold these agents accountable.”

— Rep. Scott Peters (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“My bill ... would make DHS operate in accordance with the best practices of law enforcement, would enforce them to abide by the same use of force and de-escalation standards to which police officers around the country must adhere.”

— Rep. Scott Peters (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“I've been very reluctant to go down that road, but after the events of this past weekend, there is no other choice.”

— Rep. Juan Vargas (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“We have no other choice.”

— Rep. Sara Jacobs (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“The Senate Democrats 'will not pass the DHS budget until is rewritten.'”

— Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (sandiegouniontribune.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.