Rep. Haley Stevens Votes to Expand ICE’s Powers and Access to Private Data

MICHIGAN – Last night, Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) joined 203 House Republicans to pass legislation that delivers Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sweeping power to collect American citizens’ personal information through the guise of combating retail theft and crime. This is nothing but a massive power grab from ICE and the Trump Administration, greenlit by Rep. Stevens. This comes right off the back of a $5.8 million dollar ad buy from a dark moneygroup, Center for Democratic Priorities, saying Rep.Stevens is “leading the fight to hold ICE accountable.” 

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act includes broad language that expands the already massive powers of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE by granting the agency the ability to collect sensitive personal information for people accused of retail theft. The bill would create a “national intelligence hub” reporting directly to the Department of Homeland Security. This is a clear violation of both due process and privacy. 

Last year, Rep. Stevens again joined Republicans in voting to “thank” ICE. Earlier this year after visiting an ICE facility in Baldwin, Michigan, where someone died in custody, Stevens left with no answers or accountability – only an observation that there were women in positions of leadership. 

Two thirds of Americans think ICE has gone too far, including 91% of Democrats who think ICE makes us less safe, according to polling from earlier this year. 

Abdul is the only candidate in the race who supports abolishing ICE: “Even back in 2018, we could see the writing on the wall. We must abolish ICE, no amount of retraining or reforming will address this rot,” Abdul said in February 2026 in response to the violence and murders at the hands of ICE in Minneapolis. 

“Michiganders are appalled and disgusted by the occupation of American cities, the violence, and utter disregard for the rule of law from ICE,” said Sophie Pollock, Spokesperson for Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign. “Yet, Rep. Stevens voted last night to greenlight more power and authority for the same agency. This bill is another attempt by the Trump Administration at fear mongering and power grabbing. Michigan needs a Senator who will stand up against this paramilitary force and is unafraid to abolish a violent agency weaponized against us. Rep. Stevens clearly doesn’t understand the urgency of this moment.”

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