Rep. Shri Thanedar is facing massive online abuse after announcing plans to introduce a bill to abolish the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Michigan Democrat’s opinion led to backlash from supporters of President Donald Trump, with several social media posts attacking his background and citizenship.

ICE bill sparks backlash

Thanedar said ICE has gone “beyond reform” and accused the agency of acting without accountability. Speaking to reporters, he said he plans to bring a bill to abolish ICE, adding that the agency is “out of control” and needs to be dismantled rather than fixed.

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His comments came days after a fatal shooting in Minnesota, where an ICE agent allegedly shot dead Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old American woman and mother, in Minneapolis. The incident led to widespread public outrage and demands for investigations at local, state and federal levels.

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Separately, Thanedar said he fully supports the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of misleading Congress and the public. He alleged that ICE agents, under her leadership, have “wreaked havoc” on communities and damaged democratic values. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, along with over 70 House Democrats, has moved three articles of impeachment against Noem.

Who is Rep. Shri Thanedar?

Shri Thanedar represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit and parts of Wayne County. He was elected to the US Congress in 2022 after earlier serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he worked on education funding and state budgets.

Born in southern India, Thanedar grew up in poverty and moved to the US in 1979 to pursue higher studies in chemistry. He earned a PhD, became a US citizen in 1988, and went on to build successful pharmaceutical businesses in Michigan. His journey from hardship to entrepreneurship is often considered as a classic example of the American Dream. Before entering Congress, he also ran for governor of Michigan and later served in the state legislature.

MAGA slams Thanedar

As he suggested the abolishing of ICE, MAGA slammed him on X, ” Rep. Shri Thanedar, who can barely even speak English, announces he’s introducing a bill to ABOLISH ICE. Tell this foreigner to go pound sand. REAL Americans back ICE and ICE’s mission. And honestly, I’d back ICE deporting this loser too,” a user worte on X.

Another added, “The fact that this guy is a Congressman is just a complete embarrassment to our nation.” “Him and Omar need to be deported,” added another. “The fact they’re working together on this bill reinforces my point that foreigners shouldn’t be allowed in Congress,” wrote a twitterati. “I can smell this video,” said another.