Agents seek to dissolve ICE in immigration policy backlash

WASHINGTON – The New York Times reports that at least 19 Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigators are seeking to dissolve the agency, concerned that the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal migrants has limited their ability to pursue national security threats, child pornography and transnational crime. 

The New York Times reported that, in a letter sent last week to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the special agents proposed creating a standalone investigations unit and another agency to handle immigration detention and deportation. The request was sent as a growing number of Democrat and immigration-rights advocates have called for eliminating ICE.

According to the New York Times, the investigations “have been perceived as targeting undocumented aliens, instead of the transnational criminal organizations that facilitate cross border crimes impacting our communities and national security,” wrote the agents from Homeland Security Investigations, which is a branch of ICE. The Texas Observer first reported the letter.

The New York Times also reported that the investigators said local law enforcement officials have questioned the independence of their agency, given the Trump administration’s aggressive policies against illegal immigration – including arresting undocumented workers for minor offenses, such as driving without a license.

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