Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a “terrorist organization” during remarks at the Netroots Nation conference, drawing strong reactions from critics and immigration enforcement supporters, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Ramirez, who has represented Illinois’s 3rd Congressional District since January 2023, made the comments while addressing attendees of the progressive gathering.

“Well, Tom Homan, let me tell you all over the country we will continue to stand up for our rights,” Ramirez said, referencing Border Czar Tom Homan. “We will continue to call out the terrorist organization that is ICE.”

Netroots Nation, a nonprofit that hosts an annual convention for progressive activists, describes its mission as providing “trainings, resources, and connection opportunities to help progressive activists create a more progressive and just world.”

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Ramirez’s remarks at the event were in line with the group’s platform but sparked immediate backlash from those who defend ICE’s role in enforcing federal immigration laws.

Ramirez has previously made comments about her heritage that have also prompted criticism. Born in the U.S. to parents who entered the country illegally, she has described herself as a “proud Guatemalan before I’m an American.”

She made that statement during an appearance in Mexico City earlier this year, leading some to call for her denaturalization and deportation.

ICE, a component agency of the Department of Homeland Security, is tasked with enforcing immigration laws, investigating cross-border crime, and removing individuals in the U.S. illegally.

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Supporters of the agency point to its role in combating drug smuggling, human trafficking, and gang-related activity. Critics, including some members of Congress, have accused the agency of abusive practices during immigration enforcement operations.

Following Ramirez’s recent remarks, the Department of Homeland Security circulated a historical quote from former President Theodore Roosevelt, stating:

“There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. Americanism is a matter of the spirit and of the soul. Our allegiance must be purely to the United States. We must unsparingly condemn any man who holds any other allegiance.”

The statement from DHS did not directly reference Ramirez but was interpreted by many as a response to her comments. Ramirez’s office has not issued further clarification on her remarks, and ICE has not publicly responded.

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