Nominee to Lead ICE Addresses Concerns of Republican Senators During Nomination Hearing

Harris County, TX Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, President Biden’s pick to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in a July 15, 2021 hearing to field questions about his suitability for the role.

In his testimony Mr. Gonzalez stated, “If confirmed as ICE Director, I will be responsible for 20,000 dedicated men and women who work every day to guard against threats to our national security, public safety, and safeguard the integrity of our borders. Theirs is a difficult and often thankless job—but leading such a team would be the honor of a lifetime.”

Mr. Gonzalez acknowledged the drop in the number of arrests made by the agency, and said he would need to look at the data. Republican Senators questioned him about the Biden administration’s policies for handling immigrants entering the country illegally.

Mr. Gonzalez asserted that unauthorized border crossings should remain illegal and immigrants who have been convicted of violent crimes should be removed from U.S. soil.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) said, “I appreciate your answers, Sheriff. I think they do put you in significant tension with this administration’s policies.” Mr. Gonzalez expressed support for a Biden administration policy that instructs ICE to prioritize the detention and removal of violent criminals.

During his time as Harris County Sherriff, Mr. Gonzalez terminated a voluntary agreement that would allow ICE to partner with local and state law enforcement. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) criticized this decision and questioned whether “it would be appropriate for you to lead an agency that you have been so critical of.” Mr. Gonzalez responded that the decision to not participate in the program was a “local decision” and if confirmed as ICE director, he would not terminate the program nationwide.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has stated that he would make an effort to slow the confirmation process for all of President Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) nominees until DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas provides Congress with more information about issues such as border wall security and ICE enforcement policies.

Immigration advocates hope that Sherriff Gonzalez might be able to reform ICE and fix many of the issues that have risen within the agency. Jessica Azua, Texas Organizing Project immigration justice director, explained, “It’s going to be hard to reform something that has caused so much pain…I’m hoping that he can bring his expertise from the criminal justice system. He should know that when people are afraid of ICE or law enforcement, they’re less likely to report what’s happening to them.”