In a notable development on the American political scene, several Democratic lawmakers from New York have made controversial statements declaring that the time has come to put an end to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, known as ICE. They affirmed that the agency no longer represents a practical or humane solution in light of the current economic and social reality, especially with the worsening labor shortage in key sectors like agriculture.
The severe shortage of labor, now one of the most pressing challenges facing the United States particularly in rural areas and large farms has prompted Democratic legislators to reconsider ICE’s role. These lawmakers argue that the continued raids and arbitrary deportations of undocumented migrant workers, who form the backbone of the agricultural sector, are weakening the local economy and increasing the struggles of farm owners who are already finding it increasingly difficult to find replacements.
The two Democratic representatives from New York, who have taken the lead in this new direction, stressed that maintaining local economic stability requires "political and humanitarian realism," especially in dealing with migrants. They announced their intention to present a bill in the upcoming legislative session aimed at ending ICE’s funding, formally banning its operations within the state, and paving the way for a new immigration approach focused on inclusion rather than expulsion.
The lawmakers justified this move by saying that ICE has become an agency "operating with a military mindset rather than a civilian one," asserting that the agency’s aggressive policies toward undocumented migrants do not serve national security as much as they spread fear across entire communities and increase the isolation of already vulnerable population groups.
These statements have received mixed reactions. Immigrant rights advocates have expressed full support for the initiative, arguing that the moment to reassess ICE’s relevance is long overdue. On the other hand, some Republican politicians rejected the statements, calling them an attempt to "undermine the rule of law," warning that dismantling a federal agency of such size could open the door to chaos in immigration law enforcement.
