Gallego Calls to Tear Down ICE, Vows to Block Funding Without Limits
On CNN, the Arizona senator called for dismantling ICE to rebuild it around criminal enforcement.
Overview
- Sen. Ruben Gallego said President Donald Trump has turned ICE into a "third-world goon squad" shaped by Stephen Miller and criticized agents operating in masks.
- He argued ICE should be rebuilt to focus on targeting criminals, issue warrants, and stop tactics he described as resembling a third-world police force.
- Pressed by CNN’s Jake Tapper, Gallego said he will not support additional money for ICE without constraints and indicated he could back shutting down the portion of the agency he blames for harm.
- Tapper noted Gallego previously supported expanding ICE funding, and the report pointed to his 2025 co-sponsorship of the Laken Riley Act, which could increase detention costs.
- The segment cited a CNN poll finding about half of Americans believe ICE makes cities less safe, as some Democrats renew calls to abolish the agency after Renee Good’s death.