Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) renewed her call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following the detention of 11 Iranian nationals by the agency.
Tlaib was approached by independent journalist Nicholas Ballasy at the Capitol, who asked whether the rhetoric used by politicians against ICE might have influenced recent demonstrations in Los Angeles.
Responding, Tlaib emphasized that her criticism of ICE has long roots, dating back to its creation in 2003.
She noted that Detroit, being a border city, has experienced issues with ICE agents under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Tlaib recounted specific incidents involving ICE in her district, including one in which an agent allegedly followed someone into a neighborhood without a warrant and detained a long-time community member.
She argued that her opposition to ICE is based on constitutional principles. “It’s pro-due process,” she said, claiming that ICE agents have repeatedly violated civil rights, according to stories shared by her constituents.
Tlaib stated that border community members, especially those with mixed immigration status, have for years complained that ICE operates outside legal norms, per the Conservative Brief.
She said this sentiment has persisted across multiple presidential administrations.
The congresswoman described ICE as a “rogue” agency and claimed that even other federal officials, including those in Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have expressed frustration over ICE acting independently without coordination.
When asked directly if the call to abolish ICE was too extreme, Tlaib responded, “Not for me,” confirming her firm stance on the issue.
The renewed calls to disband ICE come amid heightened security concerns following the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals by the agency. One of those arrested, Ribvar Karimi, was identified as a former sharpshooter in Iran’s elite military forces.
Karimi’s arrest comes at a time of tension between Iran and the United States. Iran had threatened retaliation following joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel on three nuclear sites in the country.
Despite a ceasefire declaration by President Donald Trump, national security officials remain concerned about the potential for attacks by Iranian sleeper cells on U.S. soil.
ICE reported that Karimi was carrying identification linking him to the Iranian Army at the time of his detention.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said the agency is actively targeting suspected terrorists who entered the country illegally or under questionable circumstances.
McLaughlin credited President Trump’s policies for enhancing homeland security efforts and said DHS is not waiting for attacks to occur before taking preventive action.
Karimi was taken into custody in Locust, Alabama, while on a K-1 visa intended for foreign nationals planning to marry a U.S. citizen. DHS noted he had failed to update his legal status, violating his visa terms and making him subject to removal.
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