Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7119

DHS Use of Force Oversight Act

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

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

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

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

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.

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.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Jan 15, 2026

Introduced in House

The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

Related News

1 article

Government Executive·2 months 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.

Center

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.