The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) watchdog is intensifying its scrutiny over the use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, spurred by a letter from congressional Democrats. The probe, initiated after two tragic shootings in Minneapolis, aims to assess ICE’s adherence to federal laws and its own policies when it comes to use of force.

This urgent review follows the deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents last month. The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategies, prompting bipartisan concern. In response, the DHS Inspector General, Joseph Cuffari, was urged to expedite the investigation, which was first requested last June by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, alongside Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Dan Goldman, and Lou Correa.

As detailed in the letter, which was backed by 36 congressional members and made public by The New York Times, there is a heightened urgency for transparency and accountability. “With communities facing severe, and sometimes fatal, harm from ICE’s tactics on American streets every day, we request that your office conduct this review expeditiously and share any preliminary findings with Congress and the public on an expedited basis,” the letter stated.

The ongoing audit by the inspector general’s office will evaluate whether ICE properly investigates allegations of excessive use of force and holds its personnel accountable. However, the watchdog’s historical delays in completing audits, as highlighted in a recent Government Accountability Office report, have raised concerns about the timeliness of the investigation’s outcomes.

In a broader context, the Trump administration has shown some signs of adjusting its tactics amidst mounting political pressure and public discontent. This includes pulling Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from Minnesota and sending border czar Tom Homan to negotiate with state Democrats. A significant concession from these talks was the decision to equip ICE and CBP officers with body cameras during enforcement operations in Minneapolis, a key demand from reform advocates.

Meanwhile, the White House and DHS are facing additional scrutiny. Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller admitted that CBP agents might have violated protocol during the shooting of Pretti, an incident now under review by both the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and DHS.

Despite these developments, President Trump has downplayed any major shifts in policy, maintaining a strong stance against curtailing his administration’s immigration enforcement measures, even in the face of widespread criticism and calls for reform. The unfolding events will likely remain a focal point of national debate as investigations continue and further details emerge.