To impose a hiring freeze on United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 6, 2026
Bottom line
This bill enacts an immediate and indefinite freeze on all new personnel appointments, details, and transfers to ICE, aiming to restrict the agency's operational capacity until Congress explicitly legislates otherwise.
What it actually does
This bill imposes an immediate and indefinite hiring freeze on United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It prohibits the use of federal funds to appoint new individuals to positions within ICE or to detail or transfer any federal employee to the agency. The freeze remains in effect until Congress enacts a subsequent law that specifically references and overrides this provision.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary measure to curb what they perceive as problematic or excessive enforcement practices by ICE, or to force a comprehensive re-evaluation of the agency's mission and resource allocation. They contend it ensures greater congressional oversight over immigration enforcement and aligns with calls for reform within the immigration system.
Opponents contend
Opponents argue that an indefinite hiring freeze on ICE would severely undermine national security, border enforcement, and public safety by crippling the agency's ability to perform its critical functions. They contend it would lead to increased illegal immigration, hinder efforts against human trafficking and drug smuggling, and is a politically motivated attack on a vital federal law enforcement agency.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for immediate and complete comprehension of its direct effects by any informed reader.
Section 1(a)
Hiring Freeze for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This provision prohibits the use of any federal funds to appoint new individuals to positions within United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It also prevents the detailing or transferring of any existing federal employee to ICE. This means ICE cannot hire new staff or receive personnel from other federal agencies, effectively halting any growth or replacement of its workforce.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is a necessary step to halt what they perceive as overreach or problematic practices by ICE, or to force a re-evaluation of the agency's mission and funding. It ensures that the agency cannot grow its workforce without explicit congressional re-authorization, thereby increasing accountability.
Critics contend
Opponents contend this provision would severely cripple ICE's ability to perform its critical functions, including border security, interior enforcement, and investigations into human trafficking and drug smuggling. They argue it would undermine national security and public safety by preventing the agency from maintaining adequate staffing levels.
Tradeoffs
This provision creates a tension between congressional oversight and the executive branch's operational flexibility for immigration enforcement. It trades potential operational efficiency and responsiveness for increased legislative control over agency staffing and a forced policy discussion.
Section 1(b)
Duration and Override Mechanism of the Hiring Freeze
This subsection specifies that the hiring freeze imposed by Section 1(a) will remain in effect indefinitely. It will only cease to apply if Congress passes a subsequent law that explicitly references Section 1(a) and states that it is superseded, overridden, or otherwise modified. This means the freeze is not temporary by a fixed date but requires specific, affirmative legislative action to be lifted.