Hollywood actor John Leguizamo is calling on Democrats to pursue sweeping changes to immigration enforcement, abortion policy and transgender protections when they assume control of Congress in January.
The 66-year-old entertainer, who appears in The Odyssey, outlined his expectations in a social media post, making clear that he wants the incoming Democratic majority to take aggressive action on several controversial political issues.
Among his demands are abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shutting down immigration detention centers, protecting abortion rights and expanding support for transgender Americans.
Leguizamo also delivered a pointed message about Democratic lawmakers’ commitment to their responsibilities once they return to Washington.
“No absentee bullshit,” the actor declared.
The comments come as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress on January 3, 2027, following their victories in the November midterm elections.
Leguizamo’s demands reflect his longstanding political activism, particularly his outspoken opposition to federal immigration enforcement.
The actor has frequently used his public platform to criticize ICE and challenge individuals who support the agency.
Earlier this year, he went considerably further, telling supporters of immigration enforcement that they were no longer welcome among his audience.
“If you follow ICE, unfollow me, don’t come to my shows, and don’t watch my movies,” Leguizamo declared in January.
The statement attracted attention because of his willingness to directly confront potential fans over their political positions.
Now, with Democrats preparing to control both chambers of Congress, Leguizamo is pressing lawmakers to translate those political priorities into legislative action.
His call to abolish ICE represents one of the most consequential proposals on his list.
The federal agency plays a central role in immigration enforcement, including the detention and removal of individuals facing immigration proceedings.
Eliminating the agency would require significant changes to federal law and the government’s existing immigration enforcement structure.
Leguizamo also wants immigration detention facilities closed, although his remarks did not provide details about what system should replace them.
His demands extend beyond immigration.
The actor is urging Democrats to defend reproductive freedoms, making abortion rights another priority as the party prepares to exercise its new congressional authority.
He also called for stronger support for transgender Americans, signaling that he wants the incoming majority to address issues affecting the transgender community.
The proposals touch on some of the country’s most contentious political debates, highlighting the expectations that progressive activists and public figures are placing on Democratic lawmakers following the midterms.
However, Leguizamo’s statements represent his personal political demands rather than an officially announced Democratic legislative agenda.
The actor did not identify specific bills or provide a timeline for accomplishing the changes he described.
His latest remarks are consistent with his history of addressing political and cultural controversies.
Leguizamo has previously criticized Hollywood over what he considers the industry’s treatment of Latino performers.
In 2025, he compared obstacles facing Latino actors to segregation-era discrimination, arguing that performers from Hispanic backgrounds have historically faced difficulties obtaining opportunities beyond stereotypical roles.
He has also spoken extensively about the historical treatment of Latin Americans following European colonization.
In one previous statement, Leguizamo claimed that European colonizers had taken approximately 500,000 tons of gold from Latin populations.
That figure drew scrutiny because estimates cited by the World Gold Council place the total amount of gold mined throughout human history at approximately 220,000 tons.
The disputed claim formed part of a broader argument Leguizamo made about colonial exploitation and its lasting consequences.
“The cultural annihilation that happened to Latin people is the worst in the history of the world,” he claimed.
He also expressed frustration over what he believes are enduring economic and social inequalities affecting Latino communities.
“You wonder, like, here we are, Latin people, 500 years after the conquest, and where are we?” Leguizamo said.
Those earlier statements demonstrate the actor’s willingness to make forceful political arguments outside his entertainment career.
His latest intervention shifts attention directly toward congressional Democrats and what they should accomplish after taking power.
Whether party leaders embrace any of Leguizamo’s proposals remains unclear.
Abolishing ICE, closing detention centers and changing federal protections for abortion and transgender rights would involve substantial legislative and political challenges.
For now, Leguizamo is making his expectations unmistakable.
With Democrats preparing to begin their new congressional majority in January, the Hollywood actor wants significant changes to federal policy and is publicly demanding that lawmakers deliver on those priorities, per Breitbart News.
