The Organization Ripping Us Apart: Is ICE Going to Be Abolished?

Some believe that individuals without proper documentation should be "sent back to where they came from". What if those people were born here? Worked here?

Created a family, a livelihood, and a purpose, in America. "The land of the free". That's what our country claims to be. But how can we uphold that when law enforcement doesn't allow those who have come here for a better life to stay?

DHSgov from Wikimedia Commons

What is ICE?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was originally formed as a direct response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It was created as a part of The Homeland Security Act of 2002, and is a subsidiary of the Department of Homeland Security. They're supposed to create a sense of protection for Americans - making sure anybody who "isn't supposed to be here", isn't. On their website, https://www.ice.gov/ , they claim their mission is to "Protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety."

Okay, so they want to keep American citizens safe. Great! Well, not so much.

Instead of "protecting" us, they've killed 3 US citizens, and 32 hard working individuals in 2025. While these individuals may not have the papers to live legally in the US, I believe that's all they are. Papers. Papers don't show one's loyalty to America, or the positive effect they've had on others.

Futhermore, just because someone isn't a legal US citizen doesn't, under ANY circumstances, mean they are not human. A government organization calling people "aliens", is disgusting. The fact that the only thing ICE has to do anymore is look at someone and assume documentation based upon their looks, is horrendous.

So no, ICE is no longer trying to protect us; they are abusing us. Detaining us. Killing us. And yes, when I say us, I mean all of us. There isn't just one America. We are all America.

Image Credits: DHSgov from Wikimedia Commons

Take the Quiz: Religion, Schools, and Equality

Religion in Schools: Teaching Respect, Not Bias.

Latest Updates Involving ICE

We've all seen the horrifying video of Renee Good being shot and killed, after telling an officer she would get out of his way. We've seen the clips of Alex Pretti being gunned down. It's not a stretch to say that ICE isn't afraid of murdering innocent bystanders.

In latest news, information from an internal Department of Homeland Security has arose, stating that less than 14% of almost 400,000 immigrants made by ICE in President Donald Trump's first year had charges of violent criminal offenses. This proves that ICE's original mission isn't being upheld. They aren't saving people from criminals, they're tearing them away from their families.

A Jan. 28 memo, signed by ICE's acting Director Todd Lyons, said."It is without a doubt that ICE immigration officers will encounter additional aliens present in violation of the immigration laws or otherwise removable during at-large operations," "In that case, immigration officers must immediately determine whether an administrative warrant can be timely obtained. If an authorized supervisory immigration officer is present or otherwise accessible, he or she may immediately issue Form I-200 if probable cause of removability is established,". This means that ICE is now able to detain "suspicious individuals" without a warrant.

Additionally, ICE has been searching homes without proper documentation, which again, is illegal. If they're so worried about individuals commiting crimes, shouldn't they hold themselves to the same standard? The answer is no.

A Department of Homeland Security shutdown is extremely likely within the next week. Republicans and Democrats are at a standstill over a funding deadline on Friday, February 13, because of President Trumps recent expansion of ICE. This shutdown would affect many DHS organizations like the US Coast Guard and Secret Service, however it won't make a big dent in ICE's activities because of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill Act".

UPDATE: The DHS shutdown is currently in affect.

Image Credits: United Sates Department of Homeland Security From Wikimedia Commons

Will ICE Be Abolished?

The question everyone wants to know the answer to. The first thing to know is that it's not impossible to abolish ICE. De-funding and eliminating a government agency isn't completely out of the question.

The issue is how we make that change. Our current government is very clearly adamant on continuing the use of ICE for "protecting" Americans. This means that we need to stand up for our basic human rights and fight back.

Based on a new PBS News/NPR/Marist Poll , 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of what ICE is currently doing. While Democrats at 91% of ICE abolishment support, 73% of Republicans approve of ICE's work. This being said, it's obvious that opinions are divided because of political views and largely depends on what political party you're in.

So, yes, it is possible ICE will be abolished. How and when, we don't know. But, if we continue to work together as a nation, protecting our neighbors, we can get this done.

What Can You Do?

There are many things that we as a community can do to prevent ICE from harming our neighbors. The National Immigration Law Center (https://www.nilc.org/action/), provides a way to contact Congress with your complaints, concerns, and opinions. Along with that, an easy way to help is to call your state senator.

By doing this, you're pushing the public's opinion, and reminding them that their constituents are watching. It's meant to keep them accountable, which is incredibly important in this situation.

If you prefer getting in the middle of the action, going to protests might be the solution for you. More people protesting means more news coverage, more publicity, and most of all, more voices being heard. The most crucial thing that you can do is know your rights.

ICE can't hold you for more than 48 hours or come into your home without a judicial warrant, signed by a judge. Educate yourself and those around you; protect those at risk. Finally, if you choose to stand up against ICE, be safe. Stay peaceful, stay strong. Do not let those oppressing us win.

Image Credits: Fibonacci Blue from Wikimedia Commons

Here are some links to resources that may help you or a loved one:

Immigrants Are Los Angeles - Learn your rights

HIAS - Ways to take actions

Stop ICE - ICE raid alerts