Amnesty International Calls For Abolition Of US Immigration And Customs Enforcement
Mian Nadeem | Published September 26, 2026 | 03:45 PM
The United States should create a new immigration system based on human rights, due process, and effective accountability, according to the global human rights organization.
Amnesty International has called for the abolition of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a report issued on September 24, Amnesty reviewed immigration operations in Chicago, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, New Orleans, and Washington, DC, and cited interviews with 154 people. The organization found evidence of:
- Arbitrary arrests of migrants
- Racial discrimination
- Excessive use of force
- Human rights problems in detention centers
Amnesty called for independent investigations into certain deaths and instances of lethal force, advocating for a new immigration system based on human rights principles.
The report also highlighted:
- Instances of racial discrimination against migrants
- Arbitrary arrests and detention
- Alleged excessive use of force
- Surveillance and facial-recognition technology usage in operations
- Difficulties accessing legal assistance and contacting families for those held in detention centers
Amnesty International noted the use of lethal force and deaths involving federal officers in specific incidents, demanding independent and transparent investigations. They also raised concerns about ICE's institutional structure and the scale of alleged violations since January 2025.
The report urges investigations into deaths resulting from lethal force, reviews of detention-center conditions, and a reconsideration of surveillance technology use in immigration operations. Notably, Amnesty had not previously called for the complete abolition of a US government agency. ICE is a federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, arresting foreign nationals, and conducting deportation proceedings.