After Minnesota ICE Killing, Johnson Demands Answers from Secretary Noem on Dallas Police Cooperation with ICE

WASHINGTON, DC - In the wake of the killing of an American citizen by ICE, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), Vice Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, announced that she sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem seeking clarity on how the Dallas Police Department (DPD) cooperates with ICE. This follows DPD Assistant Chief Israel Herrera telling the Police Oversight Board that ICE agents are not required to show proof of identity to DPD during operations.

"I have repeatedly demanded that Secretary Noem and the Department of Homeland Security rein in ICE agents-and they have refused," said Johnson. "ICE has unlawfully detained U.S. citizens, undermined the rule of law, and now, with zero accountability, has killed an American citizen. This is unacceptable. Law enforcement is meant to protect and serve. Instead, ICE has sown fear in our communities. Agents are abusing their power, and by refusing to identify themselves to local law enforcement, they continue to erode trust in our police and put Texans at risk. With a rise in ICE impersonations and attacks on officers, particularly at the Dallas ICE field office, transparency is critical. At a minimum, ICE must identify themselves to the Dallas Police Department to protect public safety."

Johnson has been a relentless advocate for accountability from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, directly challenging Secretary Noem and her department for denying due process and violating constitutional rights. In September, Johnson visited Texas's Bluebonnet Detention Center, where she witnessed firsthand the treatment of detainees and spoke with individuals being held despite not having committed any crimes.

To read the full letter, click here and see below.

The Honorable Secretary Kristi Noem,

As the U.S. Representative for Texas' 32nd Congressional District and a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I write to seek clarity on the Dallas Police Department's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly in regards to the statement made by Assistant Chief Israel Herrera on December 9, 2025 at a Dallas Police Oversight Board Meeting informing the board that ICE agents do not have to show proof of identity to the Dallas Police Department (DPD).

DPD opted not to enter into a 287(g) agreement with ICE, however, the region still expects that federal partners will act in good faith with our local officials and the police department.

As we have seen a rise in impersonations of ICE agents and attacks on ICE officers, specifically at the Dallas ICE field office, to ensure transparency and public safety, it is crucial that ICE, at a minimum, identify themselves to DPD. Please respond to the following questions by January 15, 2026.

1. Are ICE agents instructed to visibly display their agency when engaging with the Dallas Police Department and other local law enforcement?

2. Are ICE agents and other federal law enforcement required to present verifiable identification to DPD upon request?

3. How is DPD expected to engage appropriately with ICE officers if ICE officers do not identify themselves appropriately?

4. Do you think it puts your agents, DPD, and the public at risk when ICE agents do not identify with local law enforcement?

Sincerely,

Julie E. Johnson

Member of Congress

Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas's 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.

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