FIRST LOOK: Jayapal Bill Would Bar ICE from Detaining or Deporting U.S. Citizens
Legislation follows reports of wrongful arrests under Trump administration immigration enforcement (full bill text attached)
WASHINGTON — In response to a disturbing rise in wrongful immigration enforcement actions against American citizens, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) has introduced legislation that would bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using federal funds to detain or deport U.S. citizens.
The bill, titled the Stop ICE from Kidnapping U.S. Citizens Act, was introduced Tuesday in the House and directly targets what Jayapal calls a “pattern of unconstitutional and deeply traumatic errors” under the renewed Trump administration immigration crackdown.
“The Constitution is clear — U.S. citizens cannot be detained or deported under immigration law,” Jayapal said in a statement. “And yet ICE has repeatedly violated that basic principle. This bill ensures those abuses stop immediately.”