By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Newark’s Democratic mayor, Ras Baraka, was arrested by ICE agents for attempting to inspect a detention center allegedly violating city lawsuits. Accompanying Congress members were also physically assaulted by ICE agents during the incident, highlighting escalating tensions between the agency and elected officials. Despite past calls from prominent Democrats to abolish ICE, current party leadership has largely abandoned this stance, even in the face of numerous documented abuses of power by the agency. This inaction raises concerns about the Democrats’ willingness to confront what critics describe as an increasingly authoritarian and violent agency.
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ICE has become Trump’s private militia. It must be abolished. The very idea of a government agency operating with such impunity, arresting an elected official simply for attempting to inspect a detention center, is deeply troubling. This blatant disregard for the rule of law highlights a profound corruption at the heart of the agency, transforming it into something far removed from its purported purpose.
ICE has become a symbol of unchecked power, acting as an enforcer of a particular political agenda rather than a neutral instrument of justice. The arrest of the Newark mayor serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse when an agency operates beyond meaningful oversight and accountability. This is not about individual agents; it is a systemic problem demanding a systemic solution.
ICE’s actions are reminiscent of historical authoritarian regimes. The comparisons to the Gestapo, while strong, are not unwarranted, given the agency’s tactics and disregard for established legal processes. The lack of transparency, the use of plainclothes officers, and the suppression of legitimate inquiries all contribute to this unsettling parallel. This pattern of behavior cannot be tolerated in a democratic society.
The resources poured into ICE, its vast network of detention centers, courts, and personnel, are staggering. This immense investment is dedicated to enforcing a flawed premise: that simply crossing a border constitutes a criminal act. This focus on border enforcement distracts from addressing the root causes of migration and the structural inequalities that perpetuate it. Those resources could be far better used elsewhere.
The current political climate makes the abolition of ICE seem like an impossible task. The partisan divisions, the entrenched power structures, and the influence of misinformation all create formidable obstacles. Yet, the sheer scale of ICE’s abuses and the erosion of democratic norms demand a bolder approach. The complacency and inaction in the face of these violations further endanger the fabric of our society.
The need for reform extends beyond simply abolishing ICE. Even if such a drastic measure were achievable, the underlying issues of racism, xenophobia, and the abuse of power would remain. However, abolishing ICE would represent a powerful symbolic act, a clear signal that such abuses will not be tolerated. It’s a declaration that the agency’s current form is incompatible with a just and equitable society.
The ongoing debate regarding ICE often gets bogged down in arguments about the agency’s purported role in national security and border protection. However, the reality is that the human cost—the separation of families, the detention of asylum seekers, and the systemic violations of human rights—far outweigh any purported benefits. This cost cannot be ignored.
Alternatives to ICE’s current approach exist. Focusing on a more humane and just immigration system, one that addresses the root causes of migration and provides pathways to legal status, would be a more effective and morally sound approach. Investing resources in addressing systemic poverty and violence in sending countries would also have a significantly greater impact.
The argument that abolishing ICE would leave a power vacuum is often raised. However, that vacuum could be filled by reforming and reimagining our immigration enforcement system. The focus should be on building a system that upholds the rule of law, respects human rights, and works towards a more equitable and just society. Creating a system focused on collaboration and compassion rather than fear and oppression is crucial.
We cannot continue to operate under the premise that the actions of ICE are acceptable, merely regrettable incidents. The systemic nature of the agency’s problems, its disregard for due process, and its overall authoritarian nature demand a complete overhaul, even if it means abolishing the agency altogether. The longer we delay, the more entrenched the problems become, further eroding our democratic institutions and values. This is not a time for incremental change. The time for decisive action is now.