Illinois congresswoman introduces 'Melt ICE Act' to dismantle immigration agency

Homan in Minnesota as 'Melt ICE' Act gains momentum after federal agent shootings

Border czar Tom Homan met with state and local leaders in Minnesota as scrutiny intensifies over recent deadly shootings involving federal agents. The developments are fueling renewed attention on the Melt ICE Act, a proposal from Rep. Delia Ramirez that would dismantle DHS and defund ICE amid growing calls for accountability and oversight.

ILLINOIS - Less than a week after Congress voted to continue funding the Department of Homeland Security, Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois is pushing new legislation that would eliminate the agency and defund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its detention centers.

What we know:

The proposal, known as the "Melt ICE Act," would dismantle ICE and redirect its funding. 

Ramirez said the legislation would end what she called an "unrestrained crusade of cruelty against our migrant neighbors and the places they call home."

Ramirez cited recent immigration enforcement actions in Chicago and Minneapolis as justification for immediately halting ICE funding.

"Our small businesses are falling apart in this precise moment," Ramirez said. "Our children don’t even want to give you their name because they’re afraid that if you know their name, you will go after them and their families."

What's next:

If enacted, the Melt ICE Act would divert billions of dollars to wraparound services, including housing, health care and community programs.

Congress passed H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, on Jan. 22.