Arizona Senators Push for Reform of ICE Following Fatal Shootings in Minnesota
PHOENIX, Ariz. — In the wake of two recent fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly have introduced the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act of 2026, aimed at reforming ICE’s use-of-force policies. The legislation comes amid mounting criticism of ICE’s tactics and calls for accountability following incidents that have shocked communities nationwide.
Senator Gallego, a combat veteran turned legislator, spoke candidly about his refusal to continue funding what he described as a “rogue ICE that shoots first and calls it law enforcement.” His remarks came after a disturbing video surfaced showing federal immigration officers shooting an unarmed man point-blank in Minnesota. According to Gallego, the man was lying on the ground and posed no imminent threat when agents fired more than ten shots in five seconds.
“I was in high-pressure combat situations in Iraq, where I didn’t always know if civilians were a threat or not,” Gallego said. “But I was trained to de-escalate situations first — not to get drunk on power and shoot first. What the agents in Minnesota did was murder.”
These incidents have raised serious questions about ICE’s operational conduct and use-of-force protocols. On January 7, an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good, a mother of three, in Minneapolis. The officer reportedly shot Good three times at point-blank range in the face, sparking national outrage. Just weeks later, another civilian was killed by ICE agents under similarly troubling circumstances.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and civil rights groups alike. Critics argue that the agency’s aggressive tactics undermine public trust and endanger communities rather than protect them. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota has also called for ICE to withdraw from Minneapolis, emphasizing the need for reform and oversight.
Senators Gallego and Kelly’s proposed Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act seeks to establish stricter guidelines for the use of force by ICE agents, increase transparency, and implement independent investigations into incidents involving civilian deaths. The bill aims to ensure that federal immigration enforcement operates within the bounds of constitutional rights and respects human dignity.
The legislation aligns with broader efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to review and improve law enforcement practices across its agencies. However, advocates contend that meaningful change requires congressional action to hold ICE accountable and prevent further tragedies.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates that immigration enforcement operations have intensified in recent years, often leading to contentious encounters. The increasing militarization of immigration agents has fueled debates over the balance between national security and civil liberties.
As public pressure mounts, the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations have called for comprehensive reforms to curb excessive force and protect vulnerable populations. The Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act represents a legislative step toward addressing these concerns, but its passage remains uncertain amid political divisions.
Senator Gallego’s stance reflects a growing frustration among lawmakers who demand accountability and a reevaluation of ICE’s role in domestic law enforcement. “Violent officers have no place in our law enforcement agencies,” Gallego asserted. “When the people who are supposed to keep us safe are shooting Americans in cold blood, something is deeply wrong.”
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