House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) insisted that federal agents' abuse of force had not risen to the level of congressional investigations after a judge barred the Department of Homeland Security from using specific tactics against faith leaders and journalists.
During a press conference on Tuesday, one reporter told Johnson that federal agents had been seen shooting pepper balls at the targets.
"Where's the limit for you on what's acceptable conduct for federal law enforcement?" the reporter asked. "And when is it incumbent on Congress to demand oversight?"
"I've not seen them cross the line yet," Johnson insisted. "We have committees of jurisdiction who have that responsibility, but it's not risen to that level."
"What I've seen is the abuse of law enforcement by radical leftist activists," he continued. "You know, most recently, the most threatening thing I've seen yet was the naked bicyclers in Portland who were protesting ICE down there. I mean, it's getting really ugly."
"They have attacked — physically assaulted officers. People have been arrested. Okay, this is serious business."