A Democratic lawmaker has introduced new legislation aimed at dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reigniting a long-running political fight over immigration enforcement and federal policing.
In response, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek that DHS will continue enforcing immigration laws, saying the agency’s work is tied to public safety concerns involving “rapists, murderers, drug traffickers, and gang members.”
“President Donald Trump campaigned on immigration enforcement, the American people voted for it, and Secretary Noem is delivering,” McLaughlin said.
Why It Matters
Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan introduced the Abolish ICE Act as protests spread nationwide over controversial immigration policies under the Trump administration. Critics argue ICE has become overly aggressive and insufficiently accountable, while supporters say the agency is essential for enforcing immigration laws and removing dangerous offenders.
Thanedar’s proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny following multiple incidents involving ICE agents and civilians, including the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota.
What to Know
- Thanedar formally introduced the “Abolish ICE Act,” designated as H.R. 7123, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- The bill calls for ending federal funding for ICE, rescinding unobligated funds, and dissolving the agency within 90 days of enactment.
- It has been referred to the Judiciary Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee.
ICE was created in 2003 under DHS during the post-9/11 restructuring of federal agencies, taking over many duties that previously fell under the former Immigration and Naturalization Service.
The push to abolish ICE intensified after Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, prompting protests at the Minnesota State Capitol and beyond. Another recent incident—in which an ICE agent shot a Venezuelan man in the leg—has added to the controversy.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has urged ICE to leave the city, posted on X: “No matter what led up to this incident, the situation we are seeing in our city is not sustainable.”
Supporters of the bill say ICE has become a symbol of broader concerns over immigration reform, civil liberties, and the use of federal enforcement powers.
Polling cited in the debate suggests the issue remains closely divided. An Economist/YouGov survey of 1,602 adults conducted from January 9 to January 12, 2026 reported 46% support for abolishing ICE and 43% opposition. The article also cites Civiqs data indicating support has increased since late 2024, with Democratic support rising sharply.
Thanedar’s office also points to conditions in detention and enforcement outcomes, citing reports of 32 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, along with other fatal encounters involving agents. The argument from supporters is that immigration-related duties could be redistributed to other federal agencies with stronger oversight and a narrower mission.
The bill itself asserts that ICE has expanded its reach under the current administration and claims this has contributed to fear in immigrant and non-immigrant communities.
What People Are Saying
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, in an emailed statement to Newsweek, said:
“Attacks and demonization of ICE are wrong. ICE officers are now facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults.
“Illegal aliens that ICE is deporting broke our nation’s laws. DHS is a law enforcement agency, and it will continue to carry out immigration enforcement for the safety of Americans who have been victimized by rapists, murderers, drug traffickers, and gang members.
“President Trump campaigned on immigration enforcement, the American people voted for it, and Secretary Noem is delivering.
“For illegal aliens in the country, the safest and most efficient option is self-deportation. Through the CBP Home app, illegal aliens can self-deport and receive financial and travel assistance. President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message to illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW.”
DHS Secretary Noem, speaking outside the White House Thursday, said:
“In every situation, we are doing targeted enforcement.”
Rep. Shri Thanedar, announcing the legislation, said:
“Since ICE’s establishment in 2003, it has prioritized aggressive enforcement and violence rather than due process. Americans are being terrorized.
“Last year, I introduced legislation to end qualified immunity for ICE agents, ensuring they are held accountable when they break the law. But the killing of Renee Nicole Good proved that ICE is out of control and beyond reform. We must fundamentally change the way we approach immigration: it’s time to abolish ICE.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota said:
“Republicans cut your healthcare to pay for a federal invasion of Minneapolis. ICE isn’t making us safer—it’s terrorizing our communities.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on X:
“I know you’re angry. I’m angry. What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets. But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Don’t give him what he wants.”
What Happens Next
The Abolish ICE Act now heads to committee review, where it faces steep political odds in a Republican-led House and Senate. Even if it advanced, it would still require President Trump’s signature—an outcome viewed as highly unlikely given the administration’s public defense of ICE and its enforcement agenda.
