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Congressman Thanedar introduces Abolish ICE Act
The bill argues that the immigration enforcement efforts carried out by ICE can be better executed by other federal agencies.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Fri, 16, Jan 2026
- 00:32 EST
- 15
Photo: X/@RepShriThanedar / Rep. Shri Thanedar
Congressman Shri Thanedar introduced the 'Abolish ICE Act' in U.S. Congress on Jan. 15. Noting that ICE has been 'terrorizing' Americans since its establishment, the lawmaker called for the agency being dismantled.
In a statement, the Congressman said, "Since ICE’s establishment in 2003, they’ve prioritized aggressive enforcement and violence rather than due process. Americans are being terrorized."
He added, "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."
ALSO READ: Thanedar moves to abolish ICE after Minneapolis shooting
The bill argues that the immigration enforcement efforts carried out by ICE can be better executed by other federal agencies as ICE has been designed to prioritize " aggressive enforcement rather than compliance with due process rights."
If cleared and enacted by the President, the bill provides for an immediate stop on funding for ICE and the agency would be abolished 90 days after the date of enactment.
However, the bill is viewed as largely symbolic as the Congress is controlled by the Republicans and even if it gets cleared now owing to the slim margin between Democrats and Republicans in the house, the likelihood of Democrats having the muscle to override a presidential Veto is infinitesimally small.
Thanedar, however, was also subject to racist rhetoric as he announced the bill in a press conference. Addressing the media, he said, "We must reform ICE, but it looks at this stage, folks, that ICE is beyond reform. ICE is totally out of control."
He added, “We need to make ICE go away. We do not need murderers. We do not need this paramilitary organization’s members on our streets terrorizing U.S. citizens and immigrants alike.”
MAGA commentators and conservative leaders targeted Rep. Thanedar for his English speaking skills and called for his deportation.
Right wing influencer Nick Sortor said, "Indian Rep. Shri Thanedar, who can barely even speak English, announces he’s introducing a bill to ABOLISH ICE"
He added, "I’d back ICE deporting this loser too."
Another MAGA commentator, Eric Daugherty said, "Conservatives are demanding the expulsion and DEPORTATION of Indian Rep. Shri Thanedar (D) after he just announced legislation to ABOLISH ICE. The dude can barely speak our freaking language while pulling this stunt. SEND HIM BACK!"
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