Senator Ruben Gallego states that the ICE agency should be completely dismantled.

Sen. Gallego Critiques ICE Following Recent Incident

Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona recently spoke out against President Trump’s handling of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), asserting that the agency needs to be completely overhauled.

This call for change comes in response to the tragic death of Renee Good, a Minnesota resident who was killed by an ICE officer this month. Her death has reignited debates about the agency, with some Democrats pushing for its defunding or outright abolition. Critics argue that the current operations of ICE reflect a government that is out of touch and overstretched. In contrast, the Trump administration has stated that the officer acted in self-defense as Good allegedly attempted to run them over.

During an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, it was noted that a recent poll indicated more than half of Americans feel that ICE is making cities less safe. Tapper asked Gallego about the increasing Democratic calls to abolish ICE entirely. Gallego, while acknowledging the problems within the agency, maintained that abolishment is not the answer.

“I believe ICE needs a complete dismantlement,” Gallego explained. He emphasized that the agency should reflect what the public desires—immigration enforcement focused on criminals rather than general intimidation tactics. He described the agency’s current state as more akin to a “rogue force” influenced by Stephen Miller and Trump, which issues warrants and operates under aggressive methods akin to third-world policing.

Gallego argued, “This isn’t what we want from ICE. We can create a system that prioritizes immigration enforcement in a way that enhances security without resorting to intimidation.” His comments suggest a desire for a more balanced approach to immigration enforcement in the United States.

In response to Gallego’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson issued a statement, characterizing him as someone seeking to align with the far-left of the Democratic Party. She defended ICE, stating that the agency plays a crucial role in keeping communities safe by removing dangerous individuals, and suggested that Gallego should focus on celebrating law enforcement instead of criticizing it.