Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Bill Ending Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents
Washington, DC —Today, Congressman Shri Thanedar introduced the Ending Qualified Immunity for ICE Agents Act (HR TBD), legislation that aims to hold U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents accountable by ending their qualified immunity protections.
The bill comes amid growing alarm over ICE’s expanding powers and the surge in aggressive enforcement tactics. The passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” provides the agency with an expanded budget totalling over $170 billion in federal funding. This massive investment in ICE has raised fears of widespread abuse, as more reports emerge of masked agents detaining individuals at courthouses, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, often without transparency, oversight, or accountability.
“Trump’s ICE is following a ‘deport now, ask questions later’ policy,” said Rep. Thanedar. “They are more interested in hitting quotas and racial profiling than they are in treating people with basic respect and dignity. We’ve seen ICE detain Americans with impunity and commit gross civil rights violations. Qualified Immunity protects them from being held accountable. No more. No one should be above the law, especially those entrusted with enforcing it.”
The legislation amends existing federal law to eliminate the defense of qualified immunity for ICE agents, ensuring that individuals can pursue legal action against agents who violate constitutional rights, regardless of whether the agent acted in good faith or believed their conduct was lawful at the time.
“If an ICE agent violates the law, it only makes sense they are held accountable just like civilians,” Rep. Thanedar continued. “With Trump allocating an additional $75 billion to ICE, it's more important than ever that we demand strict oversight and accountability.”
Critics of the One Big Beautiful Bill argue that its unprecedented ICE funding could supercharge civil rights violations without proper checks. By eliminating qualified immunity for ICE personnel, Thanedar’s bill provides a necessary legal safeguard and ensures taxpayer dollars are not used to fund impunity.
Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.
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