# Legislative efforts to redirect or abolish ICE and DHS

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ilhan-omar-introduction-of-make-ice-pay-act
> Updated: 2026-09-23T17:10:11.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar has introduced the ‘Make ICE Pay Act,’ a legislative proposal intended to redirect approximately $140 billion in federal funding away from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The bill seeks to reallocate resources previously designated under the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ toward states, local governments, non-profit organizations, and small businesses. Omar argues the legislation is necessary to provide economic relief and reimbursement for damages caused by federal enforcement operations, such as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minneapolis, which she noted cost the community nearly $700 million. Proposed fund distribution would target jurisdictions in several states, including California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Oregon.

In a related legislative development, U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) has introduced the ‘Reimagining Safety Act.’ This proposal aims to dismantle the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and abolish both ICE and CBP, seeking to replace DHS with a new Cabinet-level Department of Community Safety. The plan would redistribute functions such as the TSA and Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation and terminate the billion-dollar border surveillance tower program. Ramirez intends to reinvest an estimated $150 billion from DHS funding into community programs for working families.

The proposal has faced significant opposition. Border czar Tom Homan argued that ICE is essential for public safety and narcotics investigations, stating that the agency will not be abolished. Republican lawmakers have also criticized the move, suggesting the bill could allow individuals with little loyalty to the U.S. to dismantle national security infrastructure from within.

## Claims

- The bill would abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). (disputed by 3 sources)
- Border czar Tom Homan stated that ICE will not be abolished. (disputed)
- Rep. Delia Ramirez introduced the Reimagining Safety Act. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The proposed legislation would dismantle the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Reimagining Safety Act would create a new Department of Community Safety. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The legislation would redirect at least $150 billion from DHS into community programs. (single source)
- The proposal would move the TSA and the Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation. (single source)
- The bill aims to terminate the surveillance tower program along the southern border. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Rep. Delia Ramirez proposes dismantling DHS and abolishing ICE

Rep. Delia Ramirez has introduced the Reimagining Safety Act, a bill to dismantle the DHS, abolish ICE and CBP, and establish a new Department of Community Safety using redirected federal funds.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-delia-ramirez-proposes-dismantling-department-of-homeland-security

### 2026-09-21: Ilhan Omar introduces bill to redirect $140 billion from ICE

Rep. Ilhan Omar introduced the ‘Make ICE Pay Act’ to redirect $140 billion from immigration enforcement to affected communities, amid political backlash over her recent criticisms of U.S. leadership.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ilhan-omar-introduces-bill-to-redirect-140-billion-from-ice

### 2026-09-19: Ilhan Omar introduces bill to redirect $140bn from ICE and CBP

Representative Ilhan Omar plans to introduce the ‘Make ICE Pay Act,’ seeking to redirect $140 billion from ICE and CBP to local communities and businesses affected by immigration enforcement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ilhan-omar-introduces-bill-to-redirect-140bn-from-ice-and-cbp

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Cite as: Legislative efforts to redirect or abolish ICE and DHS. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ilhan-omar-introduction-of-make-ice-pay-act