New Bill Targets ICE Agent Immunity Amid Controversy
Democratic Representatives Eric Swalwell from California and Dan Goldman from New York are set to introduce legislation intended to strip Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of their qualified immunity protections. This announcement, made on Friday, comes in light of the heated discussions following the shooting death of anti-ICE activist Renee Nicole Goode, who was killed recently when a car reportedly accelerated towards an officer.
There’s a significant divide on this issue. Supporters of ICE, including some former officials from the Trump administration, argue that the officer involved, Jonathan Ross, had a legitimate fear for his safety. On the other hand, many on the left believe he should face prosecution for Goode’s tragic death.
The proposed bill, called the ICE OUT Act, seeks to narrow the circumstances under which ICE agents can claim legal immunity for their actions. Advocates assert that the current legal framework grants federal agents excessive protections, complicating accountability when they act in the field.
In a discussion on “The Daily Blast with Greg Sargent,” Goldman emphasized that the existing standards allow officers involved in Goode’s death to evade prosecution based on subjective perceptions of threat.
“Essentially what the officer is saying is, ‘I believed she was driving towards me and trying to run me over, so I shot her in self-defense.’ This subjective standard is problematic because the officer’s interpretation carries significant weight, making legal action difficult,” Goldman explained.
He noted that the legislation is aimed solely at civil enforcement officers, distinguishing them from criminal enforcement officials who deal with serious crime.
The bill proposes establishing a clearer, “objective standard” that defines the responsibilities assigned to ICE agents. According to Goldman, ICE agents cannot arrest U.S. citizens or detain individuals for criminal offenses, as their authority is limited to immigration-related actions.
“ICE agents do not have the power to arrest for crimes like obstruction of justice. Their role is strictly to operate within immigration law,” he added.
Goldman further argued that the officers in Minneapolis should never have confronted Goode, suggesting that her actions did not warrant the escalation that led to the incident.
“Based on the video evidence, there wasn’t anything she was doing to provoke them,” he stated.
Goode, a mother of three, was known for her active participation in local anti-ICE activities alongside her husband, Rebecca Good. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mentioned that such groups often attempt to disrupt ICE operations through various tactics. Surveillance footage indicated that Rebecca was actively confronting officers while Mr. Good parked his car in a manner that obstructed the road.
“Renee was a mother. The items found in her car were not weapons, just things like stuffed animals and snacks for her kids. She was there to call out ICE for its actions in our communities. She should still be here,” said Swalwell.
Swalwell criticized former President Trump for what he described as fostering a dangerous environment. When asked about reducing funding for immigration enforcement, Swalwell was clear: “Given the current situation, we aren’t giving them any more money.”
“We were promised that the worst offenders would be targeted. But instead, they’re going after individuals in everyday settings—workers in fields and factories—rather than focusing on serious threats,” he noted.
Goldman shared a similarly drastic vision, suggesting a comprehensive reform of ICE—even to the extent of starting fresh with a new agency.
