Congresswoman Beatty Introduces Bill Demanding Critical Reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of the ICE activity in Minnesota and Ohio’s Third Congressional District, Congresswoman Beatty is addressing violent ICE activity by introducing the Protecting Our Communities Act, which would enact critical reform to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entity under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to protect the rights, liberties, and safety of Ohioans:

“It’s clear: ICE, as an institution, is fundamentally broken, and the harm it has caused is already too great. Reform is paramount, and it must happen quickly, before more people are hurt,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Ohioans and families in my District have been terrorized by ICE agents through Operation Buckeye, and across the country, ICE activity has led to tragic outcomes – including the violent killings of American citizens. Additionally, DHS has detained children, the disabled, the elderly, and countless innocent people who have not been charged with a crime. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration and Secretary of DHS Kristi Noem, refuse to properly acknowledge or apologize for the senseless killings and mistreatment that have taken place under their watch. Instead, they’ve defended the violence. This bill will enact much-needed reform to restructure ICE and protect our communities - so that Americans feel safe again.”

The reforms in this legislation include mandatory body cameras for ICE agents, require ICE officers to have clearly visible identification, forbid masks; require descalation training, and ensure proper coordination with local law enforcement – all of which are commonsense reforms that increase safety and transparency within ICE operations. 

In January, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued a letter to Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, condemning the recent surge of ICE activity and raids in Central Ohio. Congresswoman Beatty has also signed onto articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Noem, holding her accountable for the unjust murders of American citizens, abuses of power, and gross negligence that has taken place under her leadership. Beatty has also repeatedly joined House Democrats in calling for Noem to be fired from her position as DHS Secretary. 

In January, Congresswoman Beatty also convened a "Protecting Our Communities" roundtable with Columbus community leaders, as part of a national Protect Our Communities Day of Action. This comes as House Democrats across the country respond to escalating concerns following fatal officer-involved shootings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis and a surge in enforcement activity by the Department of Homeland Security in Central Ohio.

The full bill text is available HERE. 

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