The Libertarian National Committee has formally condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies over reports of repeated Fourth Amendment violations, accusing authorities of excessive force and constitutional overreach that undermine limits on government power.
In a February 1 statement, the LNC pointed reports detailing a growing pattern of overreach by ICE and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The national committee’s response follows an earlier resolution addressing the same concerns, which informed the statement.
The measure, which required a three-fourths vote for adoption, passed 13–0 with one abstention. Prior to that, LNC Chair Steven Nekhaila also separately called for the abolition of ICE following the shooting of Alex Pretti, criticizing the agency for shifting away from administrative civil processes toward what he regards as confrontational, “occupation-style policing.”
In its statement, the LNC reaffirmed the Fourth Amendment’s guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures and said those limits apply fully to all law enforcement activities, including immigration enforcement. The committee rejected the idea that any agency’s mission places it outside constitutional boundaries, asserting that no government body is exempt from the Bill of Rights.
Scrutiny of ICE and its operations has intensified following the launch of Operation Metro Surge, a Minnesota-based immigration enforcement operation introduced by the Trump administration late last year. The LNC said recent reports describe warrantless entries, seizures without due process, and detentions based on suspicion rather than probable cause.
One report alleges that in St. Paul, ICE agents forced entry into the private apartment of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a U.S. citizen, while carrying only an administrative warrant. Agents reportedly dragged Thao outside into freezing temperatures while he was still in his underwear, detaining him before releasing him later.
Separate reporting on a whistleblower complaint further alleges that ICE leadership circulated internal guidance in 2025 instructing agents to treat administrative warrants as sufficient authority to enter homes and conduct arrests. According to the complaint, agency attorneys warned that such actions were unlawful, but agents were nevertheless pressured to proceed.
“Such practices—whether in immigration enforcement, routine policing, or other operations—erode public trust, infringe upon natural rights, and contradict the principles of limited government that the Libertarian Party upholds,” the LNC’s statement read.
The LNC called on ICE leadership, local police chiefs, and other law enforcement officials to recommit to strict compliance with the Fourth Amendment. The committee specifically urged an end to the use of administrative pretexts for warrantless intrusions, required judicial warrants except in “genuine exigent circumstances,” and stronger accountability measures for officers who violate constitutional limits, including additional training.
“The Libertarian National Committee calls upon all Americans to defend these essential rights and hold government officials accountable when they fail to uphold the Constitution,” the statement closed.
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