A Democratic Representative has proposed a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy with a new bill to abolish the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and establish a department focused on community safety. This move comes shortly before elections where immigration policy is a significant issue for many voters.
New Legislation Details
The “Reimagining Safety Act,” introduced by Illinois Representative Delia Ramirez, goes further than previous proposals that targeted only the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It seeks to dismantle the entire DHS, which was created after the September 11 attacks. According to Ramirez’s spokesperson, essential functions such as FEMA and TSA would continue within different departments, with a new civil immigration system under the Department of Justice.
Ramirez has consistently opposed policies from the Trump administration regarding immigration. Her proposal may invite scrutiny, particularly as it nears the midterm elections.
“There are valid reasons to rethink DHS operations,” said Adam Klein, a former senior DHS official. “Issues like immigration enforcement, detention practices, and accountability demand attention. While the proposal raises significant questions, the concern remains whether the government can still meet its obligations in areas like border security and disaster response.”
What the Bill Proposes
The bill aims to dismantle DHS over 25 years. It proposes eliminating ICE, releasing all detained immigrants within six months, and ending major detention authorities. Contracts with detention facilities and future spending on immigration detention would also cease. ICE’s ankle monitor program would be halted, removing devices from all monitored immigrants.
The construction of the border wall would stop, and the integrated surveillance program would be terminated. Some agencies would relocate within the federal government. FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency would operate under a new Department of Community Safety. The TSA and U.S. Coast Guard would move to the Department of Transportation, while Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) trade duties would go to the Treasury. Immigration enforcement responsibilities would be transferred to the Department of Justice. CBP facilities would serve as welcome centers for asylum seekers, offering access to social workers and medical professionals.
A DHS spokesperson countered, “Our ICE agents risk their lives daily to uphold the law and apprehend dangerous criminals. Representative Ramirez’s rhetoric contributes to increased assaults on agents who protect public safety.”
Current Political Climate
As the proposal emerges, Republicans are emphasizing border security and immigration issues, highly ranked voter concerns. Immigration has been pivotal for the GOP, even as Democrats seek consensus. While securing Trump’s reelection in 2024, concerns about federal agent actions and immigrant arrests have affected his support.
Some Republicans distance themselves from the party’s core immigration stance, recognizing red-voting constituents’ concerns about the arrest of neighbors or loved ones.
Support for the Bill
Three other Democratic representatives, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, and Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, support the bill. Numerous immigrant and progressive advocacy groups, including National Nurses United and the Center for Constitutional Rights, back it. While legislative progress remains uncertain, the bill promises to spark dialogue on immigration and border security as parties vie for congressional control in November.