Ramirez introduces bill to dismantle DHS and abolish ICE

What the bill would change

Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., formally introduced legislation that would dismantle the Department of Homeland Security, abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and eliminate Customs and Border Protection, including the Border Patrol.

The Reimagining Safety Act would create a Department of Community Safety while moving several existing agencies elsewhere in the federal government. The Transportation Security Administration and Coast Guard would move to the Department of Transportation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency would become part of the proposed new department.

Customs responsibilities would move to the Treasury Department. Other immigration and customs functions now handled within DHS would also be reassigned, while CBP’s current enforcement structure would end.

The bill would prohibit federal funding for border walls starting in fiscal year 2027. It would also require the military detention facility at Guantánamo Bay to close within 60 days after enactment.

Support and opposition

The bill’s original co-sponsors are Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Adelita Grijalva of Arizona and Jim McGovern of Massachusetts.

Ramirez has said DHS should be replaced by an agency centered on community safety and shared humanity. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin opposed the proposal, saying DHS employees protect Americans and that the department would not be abolished. A DHS spokesperson also criticized Ramirez and defended federal immigration enforcement officers.

For the proposal to become law, it would need to advance through Congress and receive presidential approval. Its next steps depend on the House committee process, including whether lawmakers schedule hearings or a vote.