ArkLaTex senators unite in support of ICE

In this June 20, 2018, file photo, activists march past the White House to protest the Trump...
In this June 20, 2018, file photo, activists march past the White House to protest the Trump administration's approach to illegal border crossings and separation of children from immigrant parents in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)
Published: Jul. 12, 2018 at 6:27 PM CDT|Updated: Jul. 13, 2018 at 8:45 AM CDT
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(KSLA) - All six Senators from Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana are joining forces to condemn calls to dismantle U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, as legislation that would abolish the agency is making it's way through the House.

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy introduced a resolution Wednesday supporting the agency. 20 other GOP senators, including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and the senators from Texas and Arkansas, signed on as cosponsors.

The resolution comes amid protests across the country calling for Congress to terminate ICE.

Kennedy released a statement saying, "I am deeply troubled. Eliminating ICE shows a blatant disregard for the welfare of the American people and our nation's immigration laws."

Kennedy believes the agency plays an important role in fighting international terrorism and the opioid crisis.

A bill that would abolish ICE was introduced in the House on Thursday.

Three Democrats are pushing the bill which aims to shutter the agency within a year. One of them is Rep. Mark Pocan from Wisconsin.

"The President is using ICE as a mass-deportation force to rip apart the moral fabric of our nation," said Pocan in a statement announcing the legislation.

More than 100 state and local officials from across the country have signed an open letter supporting the end of the agency.

The letter says the recent separation of families crossing the border is a "devastating and inhumane" practice. It also calls ICE a "lawless federal agency that has terrorized immigrants."

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz feels differently. He said in a tweet that demanding ICE be abolished is disrespectful to the agents in the organization.

ICE was formed in 2003. According to the agency's website, there are more than 20,000 ICE employees in more than 400 offices across the world.

We reached out to ICE for comment and have not received a response.

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