‘Squad’ Democrat formally introduces bill to abolish ICE, Border Patrol and dismantle DHS
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Representative Delia Ramirez has formally introduced legislation to dismantle the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and eliminate Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including Border Patrol. The proposal would replace DHS with a Department of Community Safety, changing how federal immigration enforcement and other security responsibilities are organised.
The Reimagining Safety Act has original co-sponsors Rashida Tlaib, Adelita Grijalva and Jim McGovern. It would move the Transportation Security Administration and Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation, and FEMA and the cybersecurity agency to the proposed new department; customs and some immigration duties would move to Treasury and Justice. It would end federal funding for border walls from fiscal year 2027 and require Guantánamo Bay’s military detention centre to close within 60 days of enactment. The bill must pass Congress and be signed into law; none of its proposals is currently in force.
- Delia Ramirez introduced a bill to dismantle DHS.
- It would abolish ICE and CBP, including Border Patrol.
- The proposed changes require congressional approval to take effect.
New here? Start with this
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a US federal department created after the 11 September 2001 attacks to bring together several security and emergency agencies. Its components include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which enforces immigration laws inside the country, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees ports of entry and includes the Border Patrol.
DHS also includes agencies with different roles, such as the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Congress and the president would have to agree to major changes to the department and its agencies for them to take effect.
The proposal would redistribute some of these responsibilities among other departments and a new Department of Community Safety. It touches on how the US organises immigration enforcement, border security, transport safety and disaster response.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that ICE and Border Patrol have caused serious harm and eroded trust, and that changing their names or practices would not address the underlying problems. Replacing DHS with a Department of Community Safety and reallocating its functions could create clearer civilian oversight, prioritise services and rights, and direct federal resources away from border walls and detention.
The case against
Opponents could argue that abolishing ICE, Border Patrol and DHS risks disrupting essential work on immigration enforcement, border security, counter-terrorism and emergency response. They may favour reform within existing agencies, arguing that preserving established expertise and coordination is more practical and that the proposed transfers could create gaps, uncertainty or weaker accountability.