DHS Chief Slams 'Radical' Plan to Abolish ICE, Dismantle Department
Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticizes Rep. Delia Ramirez's legislation as dangerous and out of step with American safety priorities.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin has strongly criticized legislation proposed by Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., a member of the progressive "Squad," which aims to dismantle key components of the department, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Mullin labeled the bill, dubbed the Reimagining Safety Act, as "radical" and stated that it would "NEVER happen," emphasizing the commitment of DHS's 270,000 personnel to safeguarding Americans. "Our 270,000 DHS patriots are keeping Americans SAFE— unlike this open-borders politician who refuses to prioritize Americans over illegal aliens," Mullin told Fox News Digital.
DHS spokesperson echoed the criticism, asserting that Ramirez "should be thanking our law enforcement for removing these dangerous criminals from her district—NOT vilifying law enforcement." The spokesperson also highlighted a reported 1,300% increase in assaults against ICE officers, suggesting such rhetoric contributes to this trend. The department provided examples of individuals arrested in Ramirez's home state of Illinois, including Rumen Georgriev, convicted of rape with a weapon; Abdukadir Haji, convicted of sex assault and rape; and Samuel Reyes-Silva, convicted of robbery and homicide.
Ramirez's proposed legislation seeks to replace the current DHS with a "Department of Community Safety." While preserving agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), FEMA, CISA, the Coast Guard, and customs functions, it would abolish ICE and CBP. The bill aims to "begin the process of establishing a separate civil immigration system," according to a release.
In response to the criticism, Ramirez defended her proposal, stating, "Every day, Americans wake up with a new reason to dismantle DHS, reimagine safety, and build something that honors our shared humanity." She accused Mullin and DHS of spreading "cheap lies and fearmongering in a desperate attempt to save face," adding that dismantling DHS is a necessary step to "hold them accountable, stop corruption, and end their lawlessness."
Calls to abolish ICE have gained momentum amid ongoing debates about immigration enforcement. Recent incidents, including an officer-involved shooting in Austin, Texas, and the deaths of two U.S. citizens earlier this year involving federal immigration officials, have intensified scrutiny of the agency's operations.