By John Q. Hosedrinker 
House Democrats are investigating whether the Department of Homeland Security has hired individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol attack, raising concerns about potential bias and abuse. Representative Jamie Raskin has requested hiring records and communications related to any individuals charged in connection with the attack, particularly those who received presidential pardons. This inquiry follows the Trump administration’s hiring spree for its mass deportation campaign. Critics worry that the surge in officers without adequate screening could invite the misuse of force, especially as the agency has been offered lucrative incentives. This investigation occurs as Congress considers DHS funding amidst increased scrutiny of the agency’s practices.
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Democrats want to know if ICE is hiring Jan 6 rioters, and honestly, it’s a question that feels less like a surprise and more like a grim inevitability. Considering the events of January 6th, and the political climate surrounding it, the idea of individuals involved in the insurrection finding their way into a federal agency tasked with law enforcement is, to put it mildly, concerning. Let’s be clear; many view the events of that day not just as a riot, but as an organized insurrection, a deliberate attempt to undermine the foundations of our democracy. This distinction is crucial because it colors the implications of such hiring practices.
The comments certainly suggest that it’s more than just a matter of possibility; it’s practically assumed. The sentiment expressed here is that this was “part of the plan,” a natural consequence of the political forces at play. It’s suggested that groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, and even those who may have harbored white supremacist views, have found a new home within the ranks of ICE. The logic flows like this: if these groups, who have been very vocal and visible in the public sphere, suddenly disappear, it’s not unreasonable to assume they’ve been absorbed into a system that values their skills or, at the very least, overlooks their past actions.
The comments also paint ICE as a jobs program for certain ideologies. It’s a blunt assessment, but the underlying message is clear: that ICE is not merely an immigration enforcement agency but a political tool. The assertion that this is “the Trump regime’s personal police force” is a strong statement, and it speaks to the fears of many who believe that the agency has become politicized. Some point to the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6th events as a sign that these individuals were offered jobs, creating a loyal militia. This is where the concern deepens; it’s not just about hiring individuals with questionable backgrounds, but about fostering a culture of impunity and political loyalty within the agency.
The lack of public presence from groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers is framed as a telltale sign. The implication is that these groups have been quietly absorbed into ICE. The idea of these groups being “Gestapo” is a stark warning. The argument is that this isn’t just a matter of individual hiring decisions, but a systemic problem, one that threatens the integrity of the agency and, by extension, the safety of the public. The thought is that the agency will hide them, by hiding behind masks and not providing any identification.
There is also a strong sense of frustration in the comments, and the core of the frustration is that this is not a new issue and that the warning signs have been clear for a long time. People express that the problem is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of action. It’s seen as a case of “duh,” and they argue it’s a question of *how many* Jan 6 rioters, not *if*. The urgency comes from the belief that these actions are part of a larger plan to undermine democratic institutions and install a police state.
The comments also highlight the hypocrisy or inaction. The comments seem to question the willingness of Democrats to confront the situation. The call to “prosecute and impeach” highlights the frustration that the system is not taking the necessary steps to hold those in power accountable. It’s a sentiment of being “stonewalled,” suggesting that those in positions of authority are not providing the transparency needed to address the issue.
The conclusion is that the situation is alarming, and the Democrats’ inquiries are seen as more of a formality. The sentiment is that it’s about holding power accountable. And the question isn’t whether ICE is hiring Jan 6 rioters; it’s about how deeply the problem runs and what will be done about it.