Indian-origin Congressman and Democratic leader
Shri Thanedar is facing backlash from the MAGA base after announcing plans to introduce legislation that would abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Thanedar 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 the murderers. We do not need this paramilitary organization’s members on our streets terrorizing U.S. citizens and immigrants alike.”
His comments come after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis by an ICE officer earlier this month. In a press release, Thanedar said: “The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, a 37-year-old mother fatally shot by an ICE agent, shows that ICE cannot be reformed and must be abolished. The Abolish ICE Act is a step toward justice, accountability, and a more humane approach to immigration policy.”
Thanedar also criticised Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, saying she should “face the consequences” and be impeached. He argued that immigration enforcement could be handled by other federal agencies, and that ICE was established in 2003.
The proposal is called the “Abolish ICE Act,” and sparked debate. MAGA commentators and conservative leaders targeted Thanedar’s heritage and questioned his English skills. They called out the Congressman’s accent, which the Democrats found racist and xenophobic.
The row comes amid tensions over ICE’s aggressive tactics in US cities, especially Blue ones. On Wednesday, a federal agent shot a Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis after the individual attempted to evade a traffic stop. Both were hospitalised.
According to the Hill, polling suggests the issue divides public opinion. An Economist/YouGov survey released this week found 46 per cent of respondents support abolishing ICE, while 43 per cent oppose it. Congressional Democrats have also proposed measures to rein in the agency, including ending qualified immunity for ICE officers and withholding funding increases.
Democrat leaders like Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal have all sided with Thanedar on this issue.
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