In the wake of the tragic killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, calls for police reform and accountability have echoed throughout the country. As protests continue to demand justice and change, one lawmaker is taking action to bring much-needed accountability to another agency that has been under scrutiny for its use of force: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
Rep. Delia Ramirez has introduced a new bill that would place basic limits on ICE’s use of force, in an effort to rein in the agency and hold it accountable for its actions. In her own words, the bill is “the bare minimum” that needs to be done while Democratic leadership remains resistant to the idea of abolishing ICE altogether.
Ramirez’s bill, known as the ICE Use of Force Accountability Act, would require ICE agents to use de-escalation techniques and exhaust all other options before resorting to the use of force. It would also mandate that ICE agents use the minimum amount of force necessary to carry out their duties, and would establish a system for reporting and tracking incidents of force.
The need for such legislation is evident, as ICE has a long history of using excessive force against immigrants and their families. In 2018 alone, there were over 1,500 incidents of use of force reported by ICE, ranging from physical assault to the use of deadly weapons. And these are just the reported incidents – the actual number is likely much higher.
The bill also addresses the issue of transparency, requiring ICE to release quarterly reports detailing its use of force incidents, including the type of force used and the demographics of those impacted. This would provide much-needed accountability and oversight for an agency that has been able to operate with little transparency and few consequences for its actions.
Ramirez’s bill has already gained support from several progressive organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and United We Dream. And while it may face resistance from some within her own party, Ramirez remains determined to push for its passage, stating that “the time for half-measures and empty promises is over.”
But why is this bill necessary in the first place? Shouldn’t an agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws operate with the highest level of accountability and respect for human rights?
Unfortunately, the reality is far from this ideal. ICE has a long history of abusing its power and violating the rights of immigrants, and the current administration’s aggressive immigration policies have only exacerbated the issue. The agency has been granted a level of impunity that has allowed it to operate with little regard for the well-being of those in its custody.
This was made clear in the case of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of police officers sparked a national outcry against police brutality and systemic racism. But it is not just the police who are responsible for such injustices – ICE has also been complicit in perpetuating a system of violence and oppression against marginalized communities.
The passing of this bill would be a step in the right direction towards holding ICE accountable for its actions. But it is only a small step. More needs to be done to address the root causes of the issue, including the need for comprehensive immigration reform and a re-evaluation of the role of ICE in our society.
Some may argue that abolishing ICE altogether is the only solution, but for now, Ramirez’s bill offers a practical and achievable way to bring about immediate change and accountability. It is a call for basic human rights and dignity to be extended to all, regardless of immigration status.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of systemic racism and injustice, it is crucial that we do not overlook the injustices faced by immigrant communities. The ICE Use of Force Accountability Act is a crucial step towards addressing these injustices, and it is up to us to support and push for its passage. Let us not settle for the “bare minimum,” but use this opportunity to demand true accountability and justice for all.
