DHS Leaders Grilled by Lawmakers in DC

Questioning focuses on tactics used during immigration crackdown

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Top officials from the Department of Homeland Security were called before lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to answer questions about the tactics and methods used during a recent nationwide immigration enforcement operation.

Why it matters

The hearing comes amid ongoing concerns from civil liberties groups and immigrant advocates over aggressive DHS tactics, including reports of warrantless searches, detentions without due process, and the targeting of non-criminal undocumented immigrants.

The details

DHS leaders, including the Secretary and several top agency directors, were pressed by members of Congress on the specifics of immigration raids, deportation procedures, and the treatment of detainees. Lawmakers sought to determine if DHS operations adhered to legal and constitutional standards.

  • The hearing took place on February 11, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement, border protection, and disaster response.

U.S. Congress

The legislative branch of the federal government, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate and is responsible for oversight of executive agencies like DHS.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that the tactics used by DHS during immigration enforcement operations fully comply with the law and respect the rights of all individuals.”

— Rep. Jane Doe, Member of the House Judiciary Committee (C-SPAN)

What’s next

Congress is expected to continue its oversight of DHS immigration policies and practices in the coming months, with additional hearings and potential legislative action.

The takeaway

The hearing underscores the ongoing tensions between the federal government's immigration enforcement priorities and concerns over civil liberties and due process protections for undocumented immigrants.