Senator Ruben Gallego ignited a fierce debate Sunday with a stark assessment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, declaring the agency should be “totally torn down” and rebuilt from the ground up.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Gallego didn’t mince words, characterizing ICE as a creation of the previous administration – a “goon squad” born from the policies of Stephen Miller and Donald Trump. He argued the agency had fundamentally lost its way.
The Senator’s criticism centered on what he perceives as a departure from core principles of immigration enforcement. He asserted that ICE is no longer focused on pursuing criminals or safeguarding national security, but instead engages in tactics reminiscent of a “third-world police force.”
Gallego drew upon his experience campaigning in Arizona, a state with deeply held views on immigration, to emphasize a key point: the public desires an enforcement system that prioritizes genuine threats and operates with transparency, issuing warrants and respecting due process.
He envisions a reformed agency dedicated to legitimate immigration concerns and national security, a stark contrast to what he describes as the current atmosphere of intimidation. The Senator believes a complete overhaul is the only path forward.
These statements arrive amidst escalating tensions in Minneapolis, where unrest has erupted following an incident involving an ICE agent and a driver. The situation has prompted a federal response, with troops placed on standby.
The city’s mayor has publicly challenged the potential deployment of troops, signaling a willingness to confront federal intervention. This confrontation underscores the deep divisions surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of federal agencies.
