Senior Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have launched a formal investigation into allegations that the Department of Homeland Security is actively recruiting individuals who took part in the January 6 Capitol attack for roles within its immigration enforcement agencies.
Core Allegations and Official Request
The probe is being led by Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the powerful House Judiciary Committee. On Tuesday 13 January 2026, Raskin sent official requests for documents and hiring records to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In his correspondence, Raskin alleges that the department is 'courting' pardoned rioters through targeted recruitment efforts. He claims these campaigns employ what he describes as 'white nationalist dog whistles' and are facilitated by a significantly relaxed vetting process for new hires.
Existing Hires and Expansion Concerns
The investigation follows specific reports that the administration has already placed individuals connected to the 2021 insurrection in federal positions. Named examples include Jared Wise, hired at the Justice Department, and Ed Martin, who serves as a pardon attorney.
Democrats are scrutinising this issue alongside a major planned expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). There are plans to double the ICE workforce, backed by a significant funding increase. Lawmakers are raising urgent questions about potential for abuse and whether adequate safeguards are in place to vet this influx of new personnel.
Broader Political Context and Implications
The inquiry highlights deepening political fractures over immigration policy and the legacy of January 6. Democrats are framing the alleged hiring practices as a profound security and ethical breach, suggesting it could politicise federal law enforcement and undermine its integrity.
Representative Raskin's demand for information on pardons is a key part of the investigation, aiming to establish a direct link between clemency granted to rioters and their subsequent employment within agencies like ICE and CBP. The outcome of this probe could trigger significant political repercussions and calls for greater congressional oversight of Homeland Security hiring.
