States Seek to Blacklist ICE Agents from Public Service

Proposed laws would bar federal immigration officers from becoming state and local police, teachers, and civil servants

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:13am

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Across several states, lawmakers are seeking to punish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers by introducing legislation that would effectively blacklist them from transitioning into state or local public service roles, such as becoming police officers, teachers, or civil servants. The proposals claim to be responding to concerns about federal immigration enforcement, but critics argue the laws amount to political retaliation against federal officers simply for doing their jobs.

Why it matters

These proposed laws set a dangerous precedent where employment discrimination against law enforcement officers becomes acceptable based on their federal agency affiliation. Targeting ICE agents in this way undermines public safety by discouraging qualified candidates from joining the agency and weakening the pipeline of experienced federal agents transitioning into state and local roles.

The details

Legislation introduced in states including Maryland, New Jersey, California, and Washington would bar ICE officers who served after January 20, 2025 from becoming police, teachers, or civil servants. Supporters claim the bills respond to concerns about federal immigration enforcement, but critics argue the laws amount to political retaliation against officers simply enforcing laws passed by Congress. Federal law enforcement organizations have warned the proposals are discriminatory and undermine public safety.

  • The Maryland 'ICE Breaker Act' would apply to any officer who served in ICE after January 20, 2025.
  • In fiscal year 2024, ICE arrested more than 81,000 noncitizens with criminal records tied to over 500,000 criminal charges and convictions.

The players

Mathew Silverman

The National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and a board member for Law Enforcement Today.

Jason Buckel

The House Minority Leader of Maryland who correctly described the proposal as punishing someone simply for 'wearing a jersey with ICE on it'.

Tom Homan

The Border Czar leading federal law enforcement efforts to secure the border, dismantle cartel networks, and combat the deadly fentanyl epidemic.

Todd Lyons

The ICE Director leading the agency's work to target transnational criminal organizations responsible for human trafficking, cartel violence, and fentanyl distribution.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General leading the Department of Justice's efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and disrupt drug trafficking networks.

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What they’re saying

“Discriminatory hiring practices are just that. Discriminatory. To target men and women simply because they served in a federal law enforcement role enforcing laws passed by Congress is an outrageous political stunt. These officers put service above self every day. Punishing them for answering the call to protect our nation is not only wrong, it makes our communities less safe.”

— Mathew Silverman, National President, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These proposed laws send a troubling message that enforcing certain federal laws can lead to political retaliation and career blacklisting, undermining public safety and the rule of law. Rather than punishing officers for doing their jobs, lawmakers should be supporting qualified law enforcement professionals who protect American communities.