Speaking after receiving an award at the National Action Network’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Legislative Breakfast in Washington, DC, former Attorney General Eric Holder delivered a wide-ranging address focused on voting laws, immigration enforcement, redistricting, and the role of federal institutions. His remarks framed current political disputes as part of what he described as a broader struggle over the direction of American democracy and the durability of civil rights protections.
Holder argued that there is “a sustained effort to eradicate the Voting Rights Act,” referring to the landmark law as “the crown jewel of the civil rights movement, and an essential part of Dr. King’s legacy.” He told the audience that the changes he sees unfolding across the country are “testing not only our institutions, but our collective and individual capacity to defend the ideals of this nation,” adding that “these actions require from all of us a clarity of purpose that is equal to the rising stakes.” His comments come amid ongoing legal and legislative battles over election administration, redistricting, and federal oversight of state voting practices, issues that have increasingly shifted from courts to legislatures and executive agencies.
The former attorney general also leveled sharp criticism at the Justice Department, claiming it is being “weaponized by the president and his lackeys to silence his critics and to intimidate voters.” He extended that critique to federal immigration enforcement, stating, “We are observing Gestapo tactics by federal immigration law enforcement in Minnesota as well as around the country.” Those statements were delivered as federal officials confirmed the recent removal of more than 2,500 criminal aliens and announced efforts to secure the transfer of 1,360 additional detainees from city jails.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described those arrested as “vicious murderers, rapists, child pedophiles and incredibly dangerous individuals.” At the same time, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have opposed aspects of the federal actions, prompting a Justice Department investigation into whether local officials interfered with immigration enforcement. The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between federal authority and local governments over public safety responsibilities, detention policies, and cooperation with immigration authorities.
Holder also referenced the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, urging the audience, “You all remember the name Renee Good, and you say her name, you say her name.” Federal investigations are continuing into whether Good’s partner impeded a federal officer during the incident. Authorities allege Good used her vehicle to strike an ICE agent, which led to the shooting. The Department of Homeland Security classified the incident as “domestic terrorism.” Video from the encounter appears to show Good’s partner shouting either “Drive, baby, drive!” or “Don’t drive,” followed by sobbing and saying, “It’s my fault.”
In addition to immigration and law enforcement, Holder addressed redistricting, accusing the administration of engaging in “unprecedented mid-decade gerrymandering attempts to disproportionately disenfranchise black and brown voters as the president desperately clings to power like an insecure dictator.” He described what he views as a broader historical pattern, stating that “there is a concerted effort to resegregate America,” and adding that “state-sponsored attempts at oppression always appear … overwhelming.” To illustrate the comparison, he said, “Think about Jim Clark, think about Bull Connor, think about Ross Barnett, think about George Wallace.”
Holder concluded by urging civic engagement and personal responsibility rather than reliance on outside intervention, telling the audience, “There’s no miraculous rescue that is coming. We are the cavalry.” His speech follows renewed public advocacy for Supreme Court reform, which has drawn criticism from President Donald Trump. Trump has accused Holder of supporting proposals that would significantly expand the size of the Court, reportedly to as many as 21 justices, arguing such changes would undermine constitutional norms. In a Truth Social post, Trump referred to Holder as “FAST AND FURIOUS,” a reference to the gun-walking operation during Holder’s tenure at the Justice Department, and said Holder “did so much to hurt our Country.”
