Legislative Efforts Emerge in Multiple States
Democratic lawmakers across the United States are advancing legislation aimed at restricting the future employment opportunities of individuals who serve with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in state government roles. At least four states—California, Colorado, New Jersey, and Washington—have seen the introduction of bills that would make new ICE employees ineligible for various state-level positions, particularly within law enforcement and public education. These legislative efforts are largely presented as a response to perceived aggressive tactics and alleged civil rights violations by federal immigration authorities.
California's 'Melt ICE' and 'GTFO ICE' Acts
In California, Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez) has introduced Assembly Bill 1627, also known as the 'Melt ICE Act.' This bill proposes to disqualify individuals who worked for ICE between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029, from becoming local peace officers or public school teachers in the state. Ávila Farías stated that the bill aims to 'protect the public and restor trust,' asserting that public servants must respect the Constitution and individual dignity. Another measure, dubbed the 'GTFO ICE bill,' introduced by Los Angeles Assembly member Mark Gonzalez, seeks to disqualify anyone involved in 'cruel baseless immigration enforcement' from California's public workforce.
Critics, including the dean of UC Berkeley Law School, Irwin Chamarinsky, have raised concerns about the constitutionality of such measures, suggesting they could be seen as employment discrimination. Republican Assembly member Tom Lackey also characterized the proposal as employment discrimination.
Colorado and New Jersey Follow Suit
Colorado legislators are also pursuing similar restrictions. House Bill 1275, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich (D-Englewood) and Yara Zokaie (D-Fort Collins), and Senators Mike Weissman (D-Aurora) and Iman Jodeh (D-Aurora), would mandate the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (P.O.S.T. board) to deny certification to current or former ICE or Customs and Border Protection agents. This denial would effectively prevent them from securing police jobs within the state. This move is part of a broader strategy by Colorado Democrats to adopt a more confrontational stance against federal immigration policies.
In New Jersey, Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (D-Hoboken) has introduced legislation that would bar individuals who joined ICE between September 2025 and the anticipated end of the Trump administration in January 2029 from state and local government employment, including roles as police officers or teachers. Bhalla asserted that 'if you make that decision, there will be consequences if you seek employment in New Jersey.' A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, countered these legislative efforts, stating that lawmakers are 'falsely casting federal law enforcement as villains' and that 'to most Americans, ICE officers are heroes.'
Washington State's Proposed Ban
Washington State is also considering similar legislation with House Bill 2641, introduced by Representative Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) and co-sponsored by Representative Shaun Scott (D-Seattle). This bill would prohibit law enforcement agencies in Washington from hiring individuals who were sworn officers of ICE on or after January 20, 2025, the start of the second Trump term. Representative Simmons stated the bill's intent is to prevent the 'infiltration of ICE agents trained during the Trump Administration' and to ensure that law enforcement officers earn the trust and respect of their communities.
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