A House Democrat has introduced a bill to abolish the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), replacing it with a new department focused on community safety. This move comes three weeks before an election where immigration policy could heavily influence voters. The Reimagining Safety Act was introduced by Illinois Representative Delia Ramirez, going beyond previous proposals to simply abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by dismantling the parent department established after 9/11.
According to Ramirez’s spokesperson, the bill would maintain critical functions such as FEMA and the TSA under different departments. The Department of Justice would handle civil immigration. Ramirez, a critic of previous immigration policies, faces scrutiny for the bold proposal close to the midterm elections.
Adam Klein, a former senior DHS official, highlighted that the proposal raises questions about DHS’s departure from its original mission. He expressed concern about the gap between the legislation’s propositions and the operational responsibilities still required, emphasizing that abolishing or relocating agencies does not eliminate the government’s responsibilities regarding border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response, cybersecurity, or counterterrorism.
What the Bill Would Do
Ramirez stated that the DHS has functioned as a weapon, advocating for a department embodying the best qualities of society for mutual care in challenging times. The bill proposes dismantling DHS after 25 years, scrapping ICE, and releasing detained immigrants within six months. It also aims to repeal major detention authorities, end contracts with detention facilities, and ban future spending on immigration detention and monitoring programs, including ICE’s ankle monitor program.
Under the proposal, the border wall construction would cease, and the Border Patrol’s integrated surveillance tower program would end. Agencies like FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) would transition to a new Department of Community Safety. The TSA and the U.S. Coast Guard would join the Department of Transportation, while the Treasury would assume CBP’s customs and trade duties. Immigration enforcement would be managed by the Department of Justice, and CBP facilities would serve as welcome centers for asylum seekers.
A DHS spokesperson criticized the bill, arguing that the rhetoric against ICE endangers law enforcement by contributing to a rise in assaults against agents.
Why the Bill Matters Now
This proposal emerges as Republicans campaign strongly on border security and illegal immigration, issues frequently among voters’ primary concerns. Immigration is seen as a GOP stronghold, while Democrats have struggled to achieve consensus. Although addressing illegal immigration aided President Trump’s reelection in 2024, support has declined due to clashes between federal agents and citizens and arrests of immigrants without further criminal records.
Some Republicans have diverged from the core immigration stance due to concerns from constituents about the arrests of loved ones or neighbors.
Who Is Supporting the Bill?
Three Democrats have joined Ramirez as cosponsors: Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, and Jim McGovern of Massachusetts. Several immigrant and progressive advocacy groups also support the legislation, including National Nurses United, Indivisible Chicago Alliance, Center for Constitutional Rights, and others.
Regardless of its legislative progress, the bill will likely spark debate on immigration and border security as parties vie for control of Congress in November.
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