Sen. Ruben Gallego urged that ICE be dismantled and rebuilt to prioritize public safety and target criminals rather than civilians, saying the current agency is "out of control." His comments follow nationwide protests after the death of Minnesota resident Renee Good during an encounter with an ICE officer — an incident the administration says involved self-defense. A CNN poll shows many Americans view ICE as making cities less safe, while the White House defended ICE officers and criticized Gallego's stance.
Sen. Ruben Gallego Urges ICE Be Dismantled And Rebuilt To Focus On Criminals, Sparking Debate
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego argued that ICE needs to be "totally torn down."(Reuters)
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) on Monday called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be "totally torn down" and rebuilt to reflect public expectations for immigration enforcement focused on criminal threats and public safety.
Gallego's remarks came amid nationwide protests after Minnesota resident Renee Good was shot and killed earlier this month during an encounter with an ICE officer — an incident the Trump administration says involved the officer acting in self-defense and alleges Good attempted to run the agent over. The death has intensified renewed calls from some Democrats to defund or abolish ICE.
Senator Gallego referred to ICE under President Donald Trump as a "goon squad."
"Well, look, I think ICE needs to be totally torn down," Gallego said. "It has to be ... created in the image of what people want. From my experience running in Arizona, people want immigration enforcement that goes after criminals and focuses on security."
Gallego contrasted his vision of a reformed enforcement agency with what he described as a more aggressive approach under President Trump and adviser Stephen Miller, criticizing use of masked agents and tactics he said resemble a "Third World" police force. "What we're seeing right now is not what we want from ICE," he added, urging creation of a force concentrated on public safety rather than intimidation.
CNN host Jake Tapper cited a recent poll indicating that more than half of Americans believe ICE makes cities less safe and asked Gallego whether calls to abolish the agency are justified. Gallego responded that while ICE is a problem and out of control, simply abolishing it without a clear plan for replacement would be a mistake — instead advocating a complete rebuild guided by public priorities.
A federal law enforcement agent outside a home during a raid in south Minneapolis, Minn., on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
White House statement: "Wannabe presidential-candidate Gallego is saying whatever he thinks will appeal most to the Democrats’ radical left base, including attacking heroic ICE law enforcement officers. Here’s the truth: ICE officers keep American communities safe by removing illegal rapists, murderers, and other criminals. Gallego should commend our brave law enforcement officers instead of siding with criminals," the White House spokeswoman told Fox News Digital.
Fox News reported that it reached out to ICE for comment and did not receive an immediate reply. The exchange highlights a deepening national debate over immigration enforcement, accountability, and how best to ensure community safety while respecting civil rights.
Context
Debate over ICE has intensified following high-profile incidents that critics say show excessive force. Supporters of ICE stress its role in removing criminal offenders from communities. Lawmakers and advocates are divided between calls for abolition, sweeping reform, or targeted changes to enforcement priorities.
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