Legislators Act to Limit ICE Amid Minneapolis Unrest

In the wake of recent tragedies involving federal agents in Minneapolis, legislators across the nation are taking action to limit the powers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both linked to ICE operations, a renewed push for immigration-related legislation has emerged, primarily among Democratic lawmakers and supported by various civil liberties groups.

New Legislative Initiatives

Democratic legislators are spearheading several proposals aimed at restricting federal immigration enforcement. These initiatives are motivated by a growing concern over civil rights violations associated with ICE actions.

• Colorado: A bill introduced in January allows individuals to sue federal law enforcement officials for civil rights violations.
• Delaware: A proposed law aims to prevent airlines from receiving tax exemptions if they transport detainees without due process.
• California: A lawmaker proposed two bills to ensure independent investigations into any shootings by ICE agents and to restrict their use of state property.

Response to Federal Practices

The push against ICE has intensified since the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which sought aggressive deportation practices. Lawmakers are now more confident in advocating for changes, as evidenced by coordinated efforts among legislators from seven states aimed at crafting proactive legislation by 2026.

Naureen Shah from the American Civil Liberties Union observed a shift in the political climate, noting, “Legislators are starting to feel empowered to act.” This sentiment is echoed by various groups advocating for immigrant rights, highlighting a growing urgency for reform.

Contrasting State Approaches

While Democratic states are pushing to limit ICE’s influence, Republican-led states are moving in the opposite direction. Notable legislative actions include:

• South Carolina: A new bill mandates county sheriffs to collaborate formally with ICE.
• Tennessee: Proposals require government agencies to verify the immigration status of residents seeking public assistance.

With most state legislatures reconvening, patterns of proposed legislation are emerging. Many bills focus on civil rights protections and challenges to federal enforcement of immigration laws.

Innovative Legislative Proposals

Some bills propose to establish private rights to sue for constitutional violations. For instance, Colorado’s legislation aligns with similar efforts in states like California and Wisconsin. State officials argue this empowers individuals to seek justice for breaches of their rights.

State Senator Anthony Broadman of Oregon proposes a bill targeting not only immigration issues but broader federal constitutional violations, aiming to unite diverse political perspectives against federal overreach.

Other legislative proposals include prohibiting agreements that grant state and local law enforcement certain federal immigration responsibilities and restricting ICE’s access to sensitive locations without due legal processes.

Upcoming Legislative Trends

As discussions continue, several other states are introducing measures targeting ICE’s practices. For example:

• Maryland seeks to prevent certain ICE recruits from holding state law enforcement positions.
• New proposals in Washington aim to limit ICE’s ability to operate within schools and health facilities.

The impact of these initiatives remains to be seen, but advocates believe that state-led actions could foster significant changes in federal immigration enforcement strategies.