Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA: Indian-origin US Congressman Shri Thanedar said he plans to introduce legislation aimed at dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and terminating its current enforcement powers. The proposed measure, named the Abolish ICE Act, comes in the wake of the deadly shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman, during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.
Commenting on the incident, Thanedar said the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a mother who was fatally shot by an ICE agent, demonstrated that the agency is beyond reform and must be shut down. He stated that the Abolish ICE Act represents a move toward justice, accountability, and a more compassionate immigration system. Thanedar further argued that when an agency repeatedly causes harm rather than delivering justice, reform is no longer possible, and a complete overhaul of immigration enforcement is required.
Under the proposed bill, ICE, which was established in 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security, would be dissolved, with its enforcement duties reassigned to other federal bodies. Supporters of the legislation, including Thanedar, contended that immigration laws could be enforced more lawfully and effectively by other government agencies. Critics of ICE have long maintained that its internal structure and operational practices have resulted in recurring abuses and insufficient oversight.
Good, who was raising three children, was killed during the enforcement action, an event that triggered demonstrations in multiple cities and intensified nationwide scrutiny of ICE. The shooting revived demands from progressive lawmakers and advocacy organizations for sweeping changes within the Department of Homeland Security, including renewed calls to dismantle ICE entirely. The incident also widened political rifts in Washington, with some Democrats pressing for deep structural reforms and stronger oversight, while Republicans and the administration defended ICE, warning that eliminating the agency would weaken immigration enforcement and threaten national security.
