Congressman Robert Garcia Introduces the ICE Security Reform Act to Establish Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as Stand-Alone Agency

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) announced the introduction of the ICE Security Reform Act, a bill to restructure Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by elevating Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), currently a directorate within ICE, to the status of an independent law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. This reform would allow HSI to focus on public safety, law enforcement and national security missions independently from ICE, with increased oversight and accountability. ICE would continue to operate as a smaller agency. The bill text can be found here.

“The Department of Homeland Security must always uphold our values and protect our country. Separating HSI from ICE would allow HSI to focus on fighting crimes like illegal trafficking and arms smuggling without being tied to ICE, increasing oversight and accountability all around,” said Congressman Garcia. “I will always fight for the critical reforms that make our agencies more efficient and that make our country safer.”

"The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) applauds the leadership of Representative Garcia in protecting the immigrant community. Importantly, this includes bringing accountability and transparency to the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The introduction of this bill will add to this by separating Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) from ICE. Far too often, we have seen HSI participate in immigration raids in our communities and its under-the-radar existence has facilitated this. The separation from ICE will create independence for HSI and with that, much needed real oversight," said Angelica Salas, Executive Director at CHIRLA. 

Congressman Garcia remains committed to reforming our immigration system, creating fair pathways to citizenship, and treating immigrants with respect and dignity. In July, Congressman Garcia introduced the SHIELD Act, which allocated grants through the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to local and state governments to support the recruitment of staff and attorneys to ensure that immigrants receive quality, affordable representation in immigration court. As the Ranking Member on the House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, Congressman Garcia has led investigations into fundamental integrity and credibility issues within the DHS, including identifying what actions have been taken to address the threat of domestic violent extremism within the DHS. Congressman Garcia has also defended humane immigration procedures and condemned extreme rhetoric on immigration and border security that dehumanizes migrants legally seeking asylum. Congressman Garcia has also investigated the use of inappropriate language and behavior among Border Patrol agents within ICE toward immigrants following reports from the Huffington Post. Congressman Garcia also continues to champion legislation that increases resources and efficiencies for vital government departments and agencies.  

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