Rising Calls to Abolish ICE Following the Killing of Renee Good

On January 7, 2026, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross during an operation in Minneapolis. Eyewitness accounts and video footage suggest that Good was attempting to drive away from the scene when she was shot, contradicting claims from federal officials that she posed a threat. This incident has sparked widespread protests and reignited national debates about the role and conduct of ICE.

Sacramento Bee

ICE was established in 2003 as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the wake of the September 11 attacks, with a mandate to enforce immigration laws. Critics argue that the agency has evolved into a tool of racial profiling and violence, disproportionately targeting Black and brown individuals. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Responsibility Act of 1996 further facilitated mass deportations, stripping many immigrants of their rights to legal representation and due process.

The Guardian

The killing of Good has led to a surge in public support for abolishing ICE. Recent polling indicates that 46% of respondents favor dismantling the agency, a significant increase from previous years. Progressive Democrats have long criticized ICE's operations, calling for reforms and accountability. In contrast, centrist Democrats express concerns that abolishing ICE could alienate voters and hinder potential reforms.

Newsweek

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly opposed the way ICE operates but does not support abolishing the agency entirely. He has criticized the deployment of ICE agents in his city, particularly following Good's death. Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the presence of ICE agents in Minnesota is unlawful.

The HillSalonSemaforNewsweekSacramento Bee

Democratic leaders in Congress face a dilemma as they navigate calls for reform while managing the political implications of abolishing ICE. Some members advocate for redirecting ICE's funding to local law enforcement, while others propose comprehensive reforms to ensure accountability and transparency within the agency.

Salon

Critics, including members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, have condemned ICE's actions as emblematic of a broader pattern of violence and disregard for civil liberties. Proposals for reform include the Preventing Authoritarian Policing Tactics on America’s Streets Act, which aims to limit ICE's crowd control functions and enhance transparency regarding officer identities.

Salon

While public sentiment appears to be shifting towards abolishing ICE, there remains a divide within the Democratic Party regarding the best approach to immigration enforcement. Some centrist Democrats warn that embracing abolition could jeopardize broader reform efforts, while progressive voices argue that the agency's violent history necessitates its dismantling.

Newsweek

As the January 30 appropriations deadline approaches, Democrats must decide how to address ICE's funding and operations. The outcome of this debate will likely shape the party's strategy leading into the 2026 midterm elections, as calls for reform and abolition continue to resonate with a growing segment of the electorate.

Semafor