Rep. Ramirez Calls ICE ‘Terrorist,’ GOP Counters With Censure Bid

Illinois Democrat Delia Ramirez on 12 Aug. described U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a “terrorist organization,” adding that the agency “needs to be defunded” and ultimately abolished. Ramirez, who sits on the House Homeland Security Committee, made the remarks during public comments that quickly circulated online. Republican lawmakers moved to censure the freshman congresswoman within hours. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter of Georgia introduced a House resolution condemning Ramirez’s statement and questioning her ability to uphold her oath of office, saying members of Congress must place “America first.” The clash comes amid intensifying disputes over immigration enforcement. Homeland Security officials say assaults on ICE personnel have risen nearly 800 percent in recent years, while some Democrats are pressing for agents to wear clearer identification during arrests. Ramirez’s comments and the GOP response underscore the widening partisan divide over the future of the 20-year-old agency.