Key Takeaways
• An ICE prosecutor in Dallas ran a secret white supremacist account on X.
• James “Jim” Rodden posted hateful messages praising Hitler and attacking migrants.
• Congress asked ICE and Homeland Security to investigate Rodden’s actions.
• ICE said its Office of Professional Responsibility would finish its review in 120 days but gave no update.
• Despite this, Rodden reappeared in immigration court, wearing his ICE badge.
A top immigration lawyer for ICE quietly returned to work in a Dallas courtroom. He faces serious hate speech claims tied to a secret social media account. His case has raised alarms over bias in our immigration system.
What Happened with the ICE Prosecutor?
Last February, a nonprofit news outlet linked an ICE prosecutor named James “Jim” Rodden to a white supremacist account on X. Observers found matching details in court records and public documents. This private account, called GlomarResponder, had over 17,000 followers. It regularly posted hateful messages. For example, it said “America is a White nation” and that “Migrants are all criminals.” It also praised Adolf Hitler.
After the story broke, Rodden vanished from immigration court calendars. Meanwhile, three members of Congress sent letters demanding an investigation. ICE replied that its internal Office of Professional Responsibility would handle it fairly and swiftly. Yet, no results came.
ICE Prosecutor’s Secret Online Account
Investigators matched Rodden to the GlomarResponder profile by comparing court schedules, personal data, and courtroom observations. The account even answered questions about U.S. history. On September 28, 2025, it claimed America went downhill on November 6, 1860—the day Abraham Lincoln won the presidency. That post showed extreme bias against the leader who ended slavery.
After the initial report, Rodden’s account went private but stayed active. New posts still push hateful ideas. For instance, the account called all Black people foreigners to its owner’s “peoples.” It also labeled migrants as criminals. Such views conflict with the legal duty of any ICE prosecutor to treat every case fairly.
What ICE Has Done So Far
Congressman Marc Veasey and two colleagues wrote to ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security. They demanded answers on whether Rodden remained on staff. In March, ICE said the Office of Professional Responsibility would finish its probe within 120 days. However, nearly a year passed without an update.
ICE’s public statement assured fair and speedy handling. Yet, the agency refused additional comments. In recent months, ICE has faced huge protests over other cases, such as the killing of poet Renee Good in Minneapolis. Critics argue ICE often acts without enough public oversight.
The Return to Court
Recently, a tip led reporters to Judge Deitrich H. Sims’s courtroom in Dallas. When they entered, they saw Rodden sitting behind the prosecution desk. A court clerk barred them from sitting through the hearings. However, the reporters snapped a photo of Rodden leaving the room with his ICE staff badge.
This appearance marks his first confirmed court session since the allegations surfaced. ICE did not answer questions about his current job status. Rodden’s sudden return raises fresh questions. How can a prosecutor face hate speech claims yet still work on sensitive immigration cases?
Why It Matters
Fairness in immigration courts relies on unbiased prosecutors. When a lawyer shows racist beliefs, it undermines trust in the entire system. Moreover, ICE’s lack of transparency fuels criticism. Many community groups worry that biased officers influence life-or-death decisions.
This case shines a light on how federal employees behave online. Social media posts can reveal personal biases that affect official duties. Therefore, agencies must act quickly when staff face serious misconduct claims. Otherwise, public confidence continues to erode.
Meanwhile, the story highlights a gap in accountability. Although ICE promised an investigation, it kept its findings secret. That silence left immigrants, lawyers, and the public in the dark. In turn, protests against ICE grew louder across the country.
Looking Ahead
Legal experts say agencies must update rules on online speech and bias. They argue that any sign of hate should disqualify a prosecutor from court duties. Others call for more public reporting on internal reviews.
For now, Rodden remains assigned to immigration cases in Dallas. He can still decide who stays in the U.S. or faces deportation. Until ICE reveals its investigation results, his future at the agency remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof links Rodden to the white supremacist account?
Investigators matched court records, public documents, and courtroom observations to the GlomarResponder profile.
Has ICE completed its investigation into Rodden?
ICE said the internal probe would finish in 120 days, but it has not released any findings.
Can Rodden still work on immigration cases?
Yes. Recent reports show him back at the prosecution desk in a Dallas immigration court.
What happens if ICE finds Rodden violated rules?
Possible outcomes include disciplinary action, suspension, or removal, depending on the investigation’s results.