Rep. Delia Ramirez Proposes Dismantling Department of Homeland Security

Rep. Delia Ramirez from Illinois has presented a bold legislative proposal aimed at dismantling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Her plan involves abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This initiative seeks to significantly revamp federal immigration enforcement processes.

Ramirez’s Reimagining Safety Act would establish a new Department of Community Safety, while retaining several existing federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The proposal suggests eliminating CBP, which includes Border Patrol, thereby removing the agency tasked with securing U.S. borders and managing the flow of travelers and goods.

Ramirez formally introduced this sweeping legislation aiming to dismantle DHS.

Under Ramirez’s plan, certain customs and immigration responsibilities would shift to other federal departments. The proposal details the termination of CBP’s current enforcement structure. Original cosponsors of the bill include fellow “Squad” member Rep. Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, along with Reps. Adelita Grijalva from Arizona and Jim McGovern from Massachusetts.

Among its provisions, the legislation would end federal funding for border walls starting in fiscal year 2027 and mandate the shutdown of the military detention center at Guantánamo Bay within 60 days post-enactment.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has previously criticized this proposal, stating, “Radical leftists are calling to defund the police and abolish DHS. It’s NEVER going to happen. Our 270,000 DHS patriots are keeping Americans SAFE.” Mullin accused Ramirez of prioritizing “open borders” over American security.

A DHS spokesperson also expressed disapproval, suggesting Ramirez should appreciate law enforcement’s efforts in removing dangerous criminals from her district rather than vilify them.

In defense of her proposal, Ramirez argued that the current framework of DHS should be replaced with an agency that emphasizes community safety. She stated, “Every day, Americans wake up with a new reason to dismantle DHS, reimagine safety and build something that honors our shared humanity.”

The legislation outlines plans for transferring the TSA and Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation, while FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency would relocate to the proposed Department of Community Safety. Customs duties would move to the Treasury Department, with certain immigration functions shifting to the Justice Department.

The proposal requires congressional approval and a presidential signature to be enacted. Until then, its suggestions remain theoretical.