Rep. Veasey Files Amendment To Strip Pay from Ice Prosecutor Linked to White Supremacist Activity

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) announced today that he has filed an amendment to strip nearly all taxpayer-funded pay from ICE Assistant Chief Counsel James Rodden, following credible reporting linking Rodden to a long-running white supremacist social media account and ICE’s continued failure to take disciplinary action.

Rodden, a senior ICE prosecutor in Dallas immigration court, was identified by investigative reporting as the operator of an account that promoted racist, fascist, and violent rhetoric over more than a decade. Despite formal inquiries from Congressman Veasey and public documentation of the account’s content, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have failed to provide meaningful responses or accountability.

“Taxpayer dollars should never fund hate,” said Rep. Veasey. “James Rodden describes himself as a fascist. As someone who cannot be trust with responsibility, especially in a court of law that disproportionately effects Americans of color. Allowing someone with those views to prosecute cases on behalf of the United States is a betrayal of public trust and a threat to equal justice under the law.”

Rep Veasey’s amendment is intended to enforce accountability where ICE leadership has refused to act, and to ensure that federal funds are not used to compensate an official whose conduct undermines the integrity of the immigration court system.

“When an agency ignores congressional oversight and protects someone espousing white supremacist ideology, Congress has a responsibility to intervene,” Rep.Veasey added. “This amendment makes clear that Congress will do whatever it takes to protect Americans, their tax dollars, and hold ICE accountable for their crimes.”