Democratic Leaders Shift Focus to DHS Investigations After Midterm Victories
Elected officials who campaigned on affordability are now prioritizing subpoenas and oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.
By Leah Thompson ·
Democratic leaders who won seats in the 2026 midterms are signaling a shift in legislative focus from household costs to oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. Several officials who campaigned on an affordability platform have recently emphasized their intent to probe the Trump administration, particularly its immigration enforcement efforts. This change in tone has drawn scrutiny from Republicans and some voters who recall the campaign promises.
Representative Robert Garcia of California, who is expected to chair the House Oversight Committee, posted the phrase "Lawyer Up" on social media following the election. Before the vote, Garcia told CNN that Democratic priorities would include lowering the cost of gas, groceries, mortgages, and rent. His office shared a tweet from Wednesday that attempted to bridge the gap between these two messages. Garcia wrote that people cannot afford basic necessities because Donald Trump and his family are enriching themselves, adding that taking on corruption is about making life more affordable for working families.
Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois also pivoted quickly. In a PBS-Chicago voters guide, she stated that the rising cost of living was the number one issue for a working people's agenda. After the election, her message changed to a list of names she wants investigated. "Noem, Markwayne, Miller, Homan, Bovino, what's up? Clear your schedule," Ramirez said. Former Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino responded on X, telling her to slow down and suggesting she relax with a bottle of whiskey from a brand he launched after retirement.
Other new and returning members of Congress have used similar language. Representative Analilia Mejia of New Jersey, who won a seat previously held by a Republican, posted that her committee would "toss out subpoenas like Mardi Gras beads." Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, who announced a New Affordability Agenda in April, posted on election night that her thank-you would come in January with subpoenas. She later called for the impeachment of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts, who cited groceries and energy costs during the campaign, remarked that new forests will be needed to plant the trees for all the subpoenas they will print.
The Department of Homeland Security responded to the shift with comments from James Percival, the agency's top attorney. He said it is unfortunate that Democrats are more interested in political shenanigans than governing. Percival assured the public that the department is well prepared to deal with the situation so Secretary Markwayne Mullin can focus on protecting the homeland. A Justice Department spokesperson added that the agency is not afraid of threats from Democrats and that its staff has followed the law.
The White House said President Trump remains willing to work with Democrats on issues that help hardworking Americans. However, spokeswoman Lauren Bis stated that if Democrats choose to pursue sham investigations and radical-left policies, they are working against the American people. Immigration advocates have also signaled preparation for the coming probes. Mike Howell of the Mass Deportation Coalition said the group knows what is coming and is ready to sacrifice for the patriots targeted by what he called weaponized harassment.
Andrew Arthur, a former House Oversight Committee counsel and immigration judge, noted that Congress has the prerogative to investigate DHS work. He suggested that this may not be the top priority for many Americans. Arthur pointed out that Tom Homan, one of the officials named by Ramirez, had positive ratings from both parties and was viewed as someone who cleaned things up after Kristi Noem left. Arthur added that while investigations can technically be framed as affordability issues by exposing waste, the media must be willing to accept that talking point.
Arthur stated that DHS can largely proceed with its established funding during the investigations. He noted that much of what Secretary Mullin and President Trump have done falls under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. He said that short of amending the law, which is difficult if the President vetoes changes, Democrats can probe incidents like ICE-involved shootings. However, the agency's broader actions are buttressed by the existing statutory framework.
