Legislation to Reform ICE Practices Introduced in Congress

News Summary

U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar has introduced the ‘Ending Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents Act’, seeking to eliminate the qualified immunity protections for ICE agents. This comes amid rising concerns over aggressive enforcement tactics employed by ICE, particularly in sensitive locations. The proposed legislation aims to hold agents accountable for potential civil rights violations and increase oversight of the agency, especially in light of recent substantial funding boosts. However, the bill faces uncertainty in the Republican-controlled House.

Detroit, Michigan – U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar, a Democrat representing Michigan, has introduced a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming the practices of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. On August 8, 2025, Thanedar brought forward the “Ending Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents Act,” a bill designed to eliminate the qualified immunity protections currently enjoyed by these agents. This proposed legislation would allow individuals to file lawsuits against ICE agents who infringe upon their constitutional rights while performing their duties.

The impetus for this bill stems from increasing public concern regarding the aggressive enforcement tactics used by ICE in recent years. Reports have surfaced indicating that ICE has been apprehending individuals in a range of sensitive locations, including courthouses, schools, and places of worship, frequently without presenting clear identification. Such tactics have raised alarms about potential civil rights violations and the treatment of individuals during immigration enforcement actions.

Funding for ICE has also come under scrutiny, particularly following a $170 billion allocation included in the controversial “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was endorsed by President Donald Trump. This substantial financial support has prompted concerns that it may enable ICE to further intensify its aggressive enforcement measures. In conjunction with this funding, Trump has faced criticism for promoting policies that activists describe as embodying a “deport now, ask questions later” mentality. Congressman Thanedar highlighted that the agency is focusing more on meeting quotas and racial profiling than ensuring respectful treatment of people.

The concept of qualified immunity serves as a legal shield for government officials, protecting them from civil liability unless a plaintiff can demonstrate that their actions violated a “clearly established” statutory or constitutional right. The proposal from Thanedar seeks to remove this defense specifically for ICE agents, regardless of whether they believed their actions to be legal at the time. This elimination could hold agents accountable for their actions and potentially deter misconduct.

Thanedar has called for stricter oversight of ICE, particularly given the recent additional $75 billion allocated to the agency by the Trump administration. There is a growing sentiment among opponents that this funding may only serve to embolden ICE’s controversial practices, raising the stakes for individuals caught up in immigration enforcement actions.

Despite the intentions behind the legislation, the bill’s future appears uncertain, especially in the Republican-controlled U.S. House. Skepticism surrounds its potential for advancement, as many lawmakers may resist changes to the legal protections enjoyed by ICE agents. Critics of the proposed legislation worry that increased funding alongside a lack of accountability may hinder significant oversight, ultimately failing to address the underlying issues plaguing ICE operations.

As discussions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement practices continue, the proposed “Ending Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents Act” underscores the tensions between civil rights advocacy and national security efforts. With heightened national awareness of ICE’s enforcement tactics and the legal protections afforded to its agents, the dialogue regarding accountability and reform will likely persist alongside any legislative efforts.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Michigan Advance: Bill from Michigan’s Thanedar Would End Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents
• Daily Kos: Evening Shade Resistance Rising
• News from the States: Federal Judge MDOC Not Entitled to Qualified Immunity
• MLive: Thousands Flood Downtown Grand Rapids in Anti-Trump Protest
• Corrections1: Qualified Immunity for Strip Search of Prison Visitor
• Wikipedia: Qualified Immunity
• Google Search: ICE Enforcement Practices
• Google Scholar: Qualified Immunity ICE
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Google News: Immigration Policy Reform