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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Rep. Ramirez's Bill Would Ban Chokeholds, Require De-Escalation for All DHS Officers

Also known as: DHS Use of Force Oversight Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Neutral

DHS officers get clearer use of force guidelines and required training, but face stricter restrictions on force tactics like chokehold bans.

Positive Impacts(6)
Immigrant
Helps

Immigrants encountering Border Patrol and ICE agents benefit from mandatory de-escalation efforts and the chokehold ban reducing injury risk.

Undocumented
Helps

Undocumented people face lower risk of excessive force during immigration enforcement with new de-escalation requirements and restraint bans.

Criminal Record
Helps

People with criminal records interacting with DHS law enforcement benefit from de-escalation requirements and the chokehold ban during arrests.

Physical Disability
Helps

People with physical disabilities benefit from de-escalation focus and force minimization that may reduce misunderstandings during encounters.

Mental Health
Helps

People in mental health crisis benefit from de-escalation training requirements that help officers calm situations before using physical force.

Sensory Disability
Helps

Deaf individuals benefit from de-escalation tactics that reduce force when they cannot hear verbal warnings from officers.

State Impacts

TexasTX
Positive

Texas residents benefit from de-escalation requirements for Border Patrol, which has major presence along the southern border.

ArizonaAZ
Positive

Arizona communities see reduced force risks from Border Patrol agents who must now prioritize de-escalation in border enforcement.

CaliforniaCA
Positive

California residents interacting with DHS agencies benefit from chokehold bans and mandatory de-escalation training requirements.

New MexicoNM
Positive

New Mexico border communities benefit from new use of force restrictions on Border Patrol and ICE operations in the state.

FloridaFL
Positive

Florida residents benefit from improved accountability with ICE and Coast Guard operations now subject to stricter force guidelines.

Key Points

  • This bill, introduced by Mrs. Ramirez, would create a single set of rules for how all Department of Homeland Security officers use force. This includes agents from groups like the Border Patrol, ICE, and the Secret Service.
  • Officers would be strictly banned from using chokeholds or other neck restraints to control people. The policy also requires officers to try 'de-escalation' first, which means using techniques to calm a situation down before using physical force or weapons.
  • Whenever possible, officers would be required to identify themselves and give a verbal warning before using force. They are instructed to only use the amount of force that is reasonable for the specific situation to minimize injuries and property damage.
  • The Department would be required to release a public report every six months detailing every incident where force resulted in an injury or death, or where a gun, police dog, or vehicle was used against someone.
  • In serious cases where someone is hospitalized or killed, the Department must brief Congress and inform the public about the facts of the incident within 24 hours.
  • All agents would have to complete regular training on these new tactics. Each branch of the Department would also have a special review council to study force incidents and find ways to improve safety for both officers and the public.
Criminal JusticeCivil RightsImmigrationLabor EmploymentNational Security

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 15, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jan 15, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

If passed, within 6-12 months of enactment

DHS implements new use of force policy across all agencies

Border Patrol, ICE, Secret Service, and other DHS officers must follow the chokehold ban, de-escalation rules, and new training requirements.

Six months after policy implementation

First public report on use of force incidents released

The public can see detailed data on every DHS incident where force caused injury, death, or involved firearms, dogs, or vehicles against people.

Related News

1 article
Government Executive·about 1 month ago

Lawmakers push for expedited OIG reviews of DHS use-of-force incidents

Following the introduction of the DHS Use of Force Oversight Act, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and other lawmakers are pushing for expedited OIG reviews. The bill seeks to bring statutory accountability to federal immigration enforcement tactics and mandate de-escalation training.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

DHS Use of Force Oversight Act

Bill NumberHR 7119
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(20)
D: 20

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.