Democrats target federal officials accused of civil rights violations in new legislation

Source: NBC News

Nov. 18, 2025, 4:37 PM EST


WASHINGTON — Seizing on allegations of federal law enforcement officials committing constitutional violations as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, Democrats have launched a new effort to allow civil rights claims against rogue agents.

Lawmakers on Tuesday reintroduced legislation that would ensure federal officials, including immigration agents and other law enforcement officers, can be sued individually for constitutional violations. The bill, introduced in the House and Senate by Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., would amend a post-Civil War era law that allows such claims against state and local officials to make it clear that federal officials are covered too.

"Under this lawless administration, federal officers are using excessive force and violating constitutional rights in our streets with impunity,” Johnson said in a statement. “If federal officials violate the Constitution, they should be held accountable, full stop.”

The legislation also comes as Republican senators have come under fire for including a provision in the bill that ended the government shutdown that would allow eight GOP senators to sue the Justice Department after their cell phone records were obtained without their knowledge.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/democrats-target-federal-officials-accused-civil-rights-violations-new-rcna244703