ICE Security Reform Act of 2025
The ICE Security Reform Act of 2025 proposes a major reorganization of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It would transfer Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) out of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to exist as a separate entity within DHS, and it would redesignate ICE as U.S. Immigration Compliance Enforcement (USICE) with a new Director. The bill creates governance for HSI (including a Director and a Chief Counsel), requires updated investigative guidelines and a joint review with the Attorney General to address overlaps with other federal agencies, and mandates periodic progress reports on the transfer. It preserves existing functions, records, and authorities where transferred, while providing transitional provisions to ensure continuity of ongoing proceedings and programs. In short, the bill aims to create a distinct investigative unit (HSI) within DHS and to rename and reorganize ICE into a compliance-focused enforcement agency.
Key Points
- 1Transfer of HSI out of ICE: By no later than 2 years after enactment, HSI becomes a separate entity within DHS, headed by a Director appointed by the President with Senate confirmation. A Chief Counsel would provide specialized legal advice to the Director, while a separate DHS law (Section 442(c)) retains responsibility for legal matters outside HSI’s authority.
- 2Redesignation of ICE: ICE would be redesignated as U.S. Immigration Compliance Enforcement (USICE), with aDirector at its head. All federal references to ICE would be treated as references to USICE, and functions would be assigned to the appropriate head of the new agencies.
- 3Investigative guidelines and oversight: Within 2 years, DHS Secretary (in consultation with the Attorney General) must issue updated guidelines for HSI’s investigative activities, including surveillance, safeguarding sensitive information, and protecting ongoing investigations. A joint DHS-AG review would address overlaps with other federal agencies, with MOAs to clarify roles in areas like transnational crime, IP, human trafficking, online child exploitation, narcotics, and financial crime.
- 4Reporting and transparency: The Secretary of Homeland Security must report progress on the transfer to Congress every 180 days from enactment until the transfer is complete, and a final/midpoint plan would be outlined.
- 5Transitional and legal continuity: The Act includes savings provisions to keep ongoing orders, licenses, and procedures in effect, ensure continuity of proceedings and suits, and preserve rights and obligations during the transition. It also contemplates transfer of assets, delegations, and the authority of the Director of OMB to manage incidental transfer issues.