By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The “Abolish ICE Act,” introduced by Representative Shri Thanedar, seeks to dismantle the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency by terminating its funding and dissolving it within 90 days. This legislative effort follows widespread protests and increased scrutiny of ICE’s enforcement tactics and incidents involving civilians, including a recent fatal shooting. The bill argues that ICE has prioritized aggressive enforcement over due process, leading to fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. While facing significant hurdles in the Republican-controlled Congress, the proposal reflects a growing shift in public opinion, with a recent poll indicating nearly half of Americans support abolishing the agency.
Read the original article here
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: Well, here’s the lowdown on the latest political buzz. A new bill has been proposed with the aim of abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agency. It’s a bold move, and as you might expect, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already weighed in.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: Now, the folks over at DHS, via Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, are making it clear they’re not thrilled about the idea. Their response, as quoted by *Newsweek*, is that DHS is a law enforcement agency, and they intend to keep doing their thing: enforcing immigration laws to protect Americans, specifically targeting those who have been victimized by “rapists, murderers, drug traffickers, and gang members.”
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: A lot of the sentiment around this bill is skeptical, with many people not holding their breath for it to pass. There’s a general feeling that the political landscape isn’t favorable for this kind of sweeping change, and that the opposition is just too strong. Some people even believe it might be more political theater than a real attempt to change the status quo.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: The arguments for abolishing ICE often center on the agency’s actions and conduct. There are strong claims that ICE has overstepped its bounds and has engaged in practices that are, at best, questionable. The sources cited include claims of misconduct and abuses. There is a sense of outrage over the idea that an agency created to enforce the law has itself become a source of injustice.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: One significant point of contention seems to be the very nature of ICE. Some people view it as an unnecessary, even dangerous, extension of government power. The fact that ICE was created in the wake of 9/11 and the establishment of DHS is brought up often, with many viewing the DHS and ICE as a product of a climate where security concerns trumped other considerations.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: There’s also a call to disband the DHS entirely. The argument is that the agency has become bloated and inefficient, and that its constituent agencies could function more effectively if they were independent.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: The criticism extends beyond the agency itself, with many believing that ICE’s actions are indicative of a larger problem. There are assertions that ICE agents are not held accountable for their actions and that the agency operates with a degree of impunity. There is also discussion about a lack of transparency and an unwillingness to be held accountable.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: Some people are suggesting that the bill, even if it fails, could have a positive impact. By forcing Republicans to take a stand on specific issues, it could expose their stance on immigration enforcement. It could also highlight which Democrats are willing to support the proposed changes.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: However, there’s a strong undercurrent of skepticism. The assumption seems to be that even if ICE is abolished, its functions and personnel might simply be transferred to another department, and the issues would continue. There are concerns that any legislative action could be watered down or fail to address the underlying issues.
ICE To Be Abolished Under New Proposed Bill, DHS Responds: There is no shortage of strong opinions. Some are advocating for the harshest possible measures, including criminal charges against any ICE agents involved in misconduct. There is also a great deal of frustration with those who are perceived as enabling the agency’s actions. The whole tone is one of both frustration and hope.