Rep. Delia Ramirez Introduces Bill To Bar DHS From Immigrant Detention, Redirect Funds To Health And Housing

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) plans to introduce legislation this week that would prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from operating or contracting new immigrant detention centers and would redirect those funds to local health and human services programs, including health care and housing assistance for communities most affected by immigration enforcement, a draft of the bill shared with NBC News shows.

What the Bill Would Do

The draft legislation would prohibit DHS from using federal funds to operate detention centers or to contract for new facilities. Funds previously allocated for detention would instead be repurposed for community-based health, housing and social services intended to support populations impacted by immigration enforcement.

Why Ramirez Is Moving Now

Ramirez acknowledged the measure is unlikely to advance while Republicans hold a narrow House majority, but she said the bill is intended to build momentum, rally supporters and lay groundwork for future action if Democrats regain control.

“You hear the desperation of our people over and over. What do they say: ‘What the hell is Congress doing? Why won’t they stand up for us? Who is fighting for us? Who will defend us? How could this be legal?’” Ramirez said. “To me, it’s really important for us to demonstrate a sense of urgency, especially right now. Waiting until January of next year to begin introducing, building support, building a case for this is too damn late for us.”

Context And Reaction

Top Democrats have criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as overfunded and insufficiently overseen. Ramirez framed the bill as part of a broader strategy to pressure the agency and shape public debate ahead of upcoming elections. She argued the proposal would not dismantle criminal enforcement systems, saying existing criminal-justice mechanisms can continue to arrest and prosecute those who break the law.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions after the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of an immigration officer in Minnesota, which prompted protests across the Twin Cities and confrontations between immigration agents and demonstrators in Minneapolis and other cities, including areas of Chicago in Ramirez’s district.

Public opinion on ICE appears to be shifting: some recent polls show increased support for significant reforms — and, in some surveys, greater support for abolishing ICE than retaining it — compared with earlier years. But centrist groups such as the Democratic think tank Third Way cautioned Democrats against using rhetoric like “Abolish ICE,” arguing that such language could allow opponents to frame the debate around being soft on illegal immigration rather than focusing on agency abuses and oversight.

Ramirez pushed back against that messaging advice, saying her bill is targeted at detention funding and would not eliminate law enforcement’s ability to pursue criminal cases. NBC News has requested comment from DHS.

Political Outlook

With Republicans holding a slight majority in the House, the legislation is unlikely to receive a hearing in the current session. Ramirez said that, should Democrats regain the majority in future Congresses, they would be prepared to move quickly on the proposal.

Note: This article is based on a draft bill provided to NBC News and public statements by Rep. Ramirez. Investigations and legislative developments may evolve.