Johnson doubles down on defense of federal agents targeting clergy, protesters

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Courthouse News Service

October 29, 2025


WASHINGTON (CN) — House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday again waved away concerns that federal law enforcement in Chicago, Portland and elsewhere have used too heavy a hand with unarmed protesters demonstrating against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. And the top House Republican rejected the idea that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents targeting clergy members at protests raised questions about religious freedom.

Johnson has long expressed support for the Homeland Security Department’s blitz against several U.S. cities, which has seen federal agents and National Guard troops descend on Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington and elsewhere in the name of crime prevention and immigration enforcement.

The urban crackdown has produced images and videos of law enforcement using what some critics have said is excessive force against protesters, the media and bystanders. In Chicago, federal agents have deployed tear gas, pepper ball launchers and rubber bullets against demonstrators. In several instances, clips on social media have emerged of agents targeting faith leaders, including one of a Chicago pastor who was shot in the head with a pepper ball earlier this month.

Asked during a news conference Wednesday about federal agents’ conduct toward clergy in particular, Johnson said he had not “seen or heard” about any instances of faith leaders being targeted and rejected the idea that the Trump administration’s actions threatened religious freedom.

Read more: https://courthousenews.com/johnson-doubles-down-on-defense-of-federal-agents-targeting-clergy-protesters/

[Klarkashton]

1. This blitz shit isn't making anybody safer. Putting a bunch of goons in SUVs to pick up day laborers and mothers getting

their kids from school and gassing children in the streets isn't do a goddamn thing about crime.

Case Closed.

[Torchlight]

2. I think the narrative is getting out of thier control

I think they believed they had the "Law and Order" playbill printed up, distributed and given full faith by the American people. Over the past month to six week however, I think more and more citizens are giving ICE the stink-eye (at best) and wondering why a twelve year old who shits his pants everyday (sometimes, it's an accident, other times, not so much) is in charge.

[sdfernando]

3. Damned fucking LIAR!!!!!

He knows he is lying.
I know he is.lying.
You know he is.lying.
They know he is lying
The media knows he is lying

No way in this world he hasn't been briefed on all of this.

Why isn't he being called out? If we were to take him at his word he would be the stupidest most ignorant SOB to ever be SOH!

The 4th estate is failing our country big time!

[ificandream]

4. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

That's Johnson's motto.

[gohuskies]

5. More fascist bs

More evidence that the whole issue of targeting and rounding up immigrant illegal or legal is more MAGA ethnic cleansing straight out of the fascist playbook. Sad that this is ok with main stream media and gets no serious pushback. Fair and balanced this is not...

[liberalgunwilltravel]

6. Little Mikey

Will feel differently when honorable federal agents legitimately target him when his lord and protector is gone. His failure to honor his oath will not be forgotten or forgiven.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

7. You're making Jesus weep Johnson.

[republianmushroom]

8. mikey is part of and must support the republican Gestapo.

[RazorbackExpat]

9. And here we thought Dennis Hastert was an idiot

Moses Mike is bringing a whole new level of idiocy to the House

[Jbraybarten]

10. I bet Mike has a lot more in common with Dennis too.

[Solly Mack]

11. That man is pure ick.