Shri Thanedar, an Indian-born Democratic Congressman representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District, has recently introduced the Abolish ICE Act. This legislation seeks to dismantle the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and end its current enforcement authority. The move comes in the wake of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. The FBI is currently investigating the shooting.
Thanedar, a champion for working families, believes that ICE is beyond reform and must be abolished. He argues that ICE's structure consistently produces harm instead of justice, necessitating a fundamental change in the approach to immigration. "The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis...shows that ICE cannot be reformed and must be abolished," Thanedar stated. He views the Abolish ICE Act as a step toward justice, accountability, and a more humane immigration policy.
The Abolish ICE Act, formally filed as H.R. 7123 on January 15, 2026, has been assigned to the Ways and Means Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Judiciary Committee for review. The bill highlights several findings, including that legal experts have argued since ICE's establishment in 2003 that its mission could be better executed by other federal agencies with a greater emphasis on due process. The bill also points to instances of alleged ICE misconduct and overreach, such as a 2025 raid on cannabis farms in California that led to arrests and a worker's death, and the shooting of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez during a traffic stop. The bill also states that as many as 170 American citizens had been arrested and detained by ICE in 2025.
The proposed legislation stipulates that all functions of ICE would be transferred to other federal agencies within 90 days of the Act's enactment. Any assets or liabilities of ICE would be transferred to the Secretary of Homeland Security. Ninety days after enactment, ICE would be abolished.
Thanedar's political career reflects a commitment to advocating for economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Prior to introducing the Abolish ICE Act, Thanedar filed articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in December 2025. This action was in response to U.S. strikes on alleged drug smuggling vessels and the sharing of sensitive military information in a private chat group.
The call to abolish ICE has gained traction, fueled by the outrage over Good's death and broader concerns about the agency's practices. Protests have erupted, with demonstrators demanding accountability for alleged human rights abuses. The "abolish ICE" movement has roots in the police and prison abolition movement and gained prominence in 2018.
