Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan announced plans this week to introduce legislation that would dissolve Immigration and Customs Enforcement, marking a significant escalation in Democratic criticism of the federal immigration agency following a deadly shooting incident in Minneapolis.

During a Capitol Hill press conference Wednesday, Thanedar declared that ICE has become “beyond reform” and called for its complete elimination. The Democratic congressman’s proposal comes in direct response to the January 8 shooting death of 37-year-old protester Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

Fatal Encounter Sparks Legislative Response

The incident that prompted Thanedar’s legislative action occurred when Good, participating in a demonstration against ICE operations, was fatally shot by Agent Ross. According to CBS News reporting, Ross sustained internal injuries after being struck by Good’s vehicle before discharging his weapon. The circumstances surrounding the encounter have become a flashpoint for broader debates about immigration enforcement tactics and federal agency accountability.

🚨 JUST IN: Indian Rep. Shri Thanedar, who can barely even speak English, announces he’s introducing a bill to ABOLISH ICE

Tell this foreigner to go pound sand

REAL Americans back ICE and ICE’s mission

And honestly, I’d back ICE deporting this loser too pic.twitter.com/Smhop7hfrb

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 14, 2026

Thanedar’s press conference featured emotional rhetoric as he described ICE as a “paramilitary organization” whose members were “terrorizing U.S. citizens, terrorizing moms, terrorizing our children.” The congressman argued that the federal government managed immigration enforcement effectively before ICE’s establishment in 2003 as part of the post-9/11 reorganization of homeland security agencies.

Standing alongside fellow Democratic representatives Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, Tim Kennedy of New York, and Al Green of Texas, Thanedar displayed a photograph of Good during his remarks, emphasizing the human cost of what he characterized as excessive enforcement tactics.

Growing Democratic Opposition to ICE

Thanedar’s abolition proposal reflects mounting criticism from Democratic lawmakers at multiple levels of government. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded to the shooting with profanity-laced demands for ICE to cease operations in his city, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz similarly condemned the agency’s actions.

The movement to eliminate or significantly restructure ICE has gained momentum among progressive Democrats. Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts told reporters over the weekend that the agency “cannot be reformed” and must be abolished entirely. This sentiment echoes similar calls from progressive lawmakers who have long argued that ICE’s enforcement methods are fundamentally incompatible with humanitarian immigration policy.

TJ Sabula, my constituent & a UAW worker, has been suspended after Trump flipped HIM off and said "F*ck you" to him.

This is unacceptable. NEVER believe MAGA when they cry about the 1st amendment.

Since Trump can't fire me, I'll say it:

Donald Trump is a pedophile protector. https://t.co/wDODHq7rWA

— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) January 14, 2026

Political reporting suggests that while some Democrats support complete abolition, others are exploring middle-ground approaches. Politico reported that many Democratic legislators are “ready to fund” ICE operations, but only with significant conditions and oversight mechanisms attached to appropriations.

Administration Doubles Down on Enforcement

The Democratic criticism has met firm resistance from the current administration’s immigration leadership. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem dismissed Mayor Frey’s demands and announced plans to deploy “hundreds more” ICE agents to Minneapolis this week, signaling an intensification rather than a reduction of enforcement activities.

Border Czar Tom Homan revealed Tuesday that Agent Ross has been placed in protective custody due to safety concerns following the shooting. This development underscores the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the personal risks faced by federal agents operating in politically charged environments.

Thanedar has called for Secretary Noem’s impeachment, arguing that her leadership has allowed ICE to operate without adequate oversight or accountability. The congressman’s impeachment demand reflects broader Democratic frustration with what they perceive as aggressive enforcement policies that prioritize deportations over community safety and civil rights protections.

Historical Context and Policy Implications

ICE was created in 2003 as part of the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, consolidating various immigration enforcement functions previously scattered across multiple agencies. Before ICE’s creation, immigration enforcement was primarily handled by the Immigration and Naturalization Service under the Department of Justice.

Thanedar’s argument that pre-2003 immigration enforcement was more effective challenges the post-9/11 security framework that prioritized immigration control as a national security issue. His proposal would require comprehensive restructuring of federal immigration enforcement, potentially returning responsibilities to other agencies or creating entirely new institutional arrangements.

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Am I doing this right MAGA, or is it only OK when Trump does it? https://t.co/WJ7xU7VVRU

— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) January 14, 2026

The practical implications of abolishing ICE would be substantial, affecting everything from deportation proceedings to immigration court operations. Critics of abolition argue that eliminating the agency would create enforcement gaps that could compromise border security and immigration law compliance.

Political Dynamics and Legislative Prospects

While Thanedar’s bill represents the most concrete legislative response to recent ICE controversies, its prospects for passage remain uncertain. The proposal would require significant Democratic unity and would face strong Republican opposition, particularly given the current political climate surrounding immigration policy.

The timing of the legislation introduction coincides with broader national debates about immigration enforcement priorities and methods. Recent polling suggests Americans remain divided on immigration issues, with significant partisan gaps in attitudes toward enforcement agencies and deportation policies.

Democratic leadership has not yet indicated whether party leadership will support Thanedar’s abolition bill or pursue alternative reform measures. The range of Democratic positions, from complete abolition to conditional funding, suggests internal party negotiations will be necessary to develop a unified approach.

Community Impact and Ongoing Tensions

The Minneapolis shooting and subsequent political responses have intensified community tensions around immigration enforcement. Multiple protests have erupted following Good’s death, with demonstrators demanding accountability and policy changes.

Local officials continue to clash with federal authorities over enforcement priorities and methods. The confrontation between Mayor Frey and Secretary Noem exemplifies the jurisdictional tensions that have characterized immigration policy implementation across different levels of government.

As ICE operations continue in Minneapolis with reinforced personnel, the potential for additional confrontations remains high. Community advocates have called for federal investigations into the shooting and broader reviews of ICE operational procedures.

Thanedar’s legislation represents the most significant congressional response to these tensions, potentially setting the stage for comprehensive debates about the future of immigration enforcement in America. Whether his abolition proposal gains broader support or serves primarily as a catalyst for more moderate reforms will likely depend on evolving political dynamics and public reactions to ongoing ICE operations.

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