NAACP-led coalition demands congressional action over ICE abuses and deaths

Advocates warn of racial profiling, constitutional violations, and lack of accountability in immigration enforcement

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The NAACP has joined a broad coalition of civil rights, faith, and advocacy groups in calling on Congress to rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The coalition cites a growing pattern of violence, racial profiling, and constitutional violations, including the killings of U.S. citizens by ICE agents and dozens of deaths in ICE custody. They are demanding enforceable guardrails on federal immigration enforcement to address issues like warrantless arrests, the use of masked federal agents, and the normalization of excessive force in communities of color.

Why it matters

The NAACP and its partners argue that unchecked authority in immigration enforcement has eroded civil liberties and led to a pattern of abuses that threaten the very foundations of American democracy. They contend that racial profiling, the use of military-style tactics, and a lack of accountability undermine the rule of law and equal protection under the Constitution.

The details

In a joint letter to Congress, the coalition is urging lawmakers to impose strict limits on DHS and ICE, citing recent incidents like the killing of U.S. citizens Keith Porter Jr. and Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents, as well as the deaths of at least 32 people in ICE custody. They are demanding an end to warrantless arrests, the use of masked federal agents, and the deployment of military resources in civilian immigration enforcement. The groups also want to see restored due process protections, restrictions on surveillance abuses, and greater accountability for deaths and wrongful detentions.

  • The NAACP and coalition partners sent their letter to Congress in January 2026.
  • The letter calls on lawmakers to address these issues in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process.

The players

Derrick Johnson

President and CEO of the NAACP, a leading voice calling on Congress to hold federal agencies accountable for civil rights and constitutional violations in immigration enforcement.

Justin Pearson

Tennessee State Representative from Memphis, speaking alongside Derrick Johnson at a recent environmental summit.

UnidosUS

A national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization that has joined the NAACP-led coalition demanding congressional action on ICE abuses and deaths.

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What they’re saying

“America can never be truly great if it only belongs to one race or one community. Our democracy is undergoing a stress test, and instead of learning from history, we are repeating it through racial hatred and the targeting of people who are treated as 'other.'”

— Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP (pridepublishinggroup.com)

“When individuals are pulled aside, questioned, or detained simply because they speak a different language or don't look like those in power, that is racial profiling, and it is a direct violation of our Constitution. We have no kings in this country—no one is above the law.”

— Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP (pridepublishinggroup.com)

“If Black, Latino, Asian American, and all our communities do not stand together now, we risk losing the very idea of America. That is why we are calling on Congress and the federal courts to do their jobs and uphold the Constitution so that equal justice under law is a lived reality for everyone.”

— Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP (pridepublishinggroup.com)

What’s next

The coalition says it will continue pressing lawmakers and the courts to act, warning that without immediate reforms, further loss of life and civil liberties is inevitable.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for Congress to rein in federal immigration enforcement agencies and restore constitutional protections, as unchecked authority has led to a pattern of abuses, racial profiling, and the erosion of civil liberties that threaten the very foundations of American democracy.