Democrats advance bill to curb foreign influence

Democrats convened at a summer meeting, grappling with the contentious issue of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ultimately approving dueling messages on whether the agency should be abolished or reformed. This internal debate highlights both strong opposition to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and significant disagreement within the party as the midterms approach.

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I think one of the reasons why people are not trusting the party is because we sound so academic. We sound focus group tested, we sound poll tested because we’re worried about saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing and not just like, just stand on business, like take a position.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) formally endorsed policy positions calling for "concrete reforms" of ICE and, separately, for the agency's abolition. ICE has been a focal point for progressive activism since 2018, and recent fatal shootings by the agency in July reignited calls for change among some party members. While Saturday's vote is not binding and will not set the party's official platform until the 2028 convention, it clearly signals the party's divided stance on this critical issue.

Michele Johnson, a DNC member from Louisiana, advocated for abolishing ICE, drawing a parallel to the dissolution of its predecessor, the Immigration and Naturalization Service. She argued that the party needs to take a firm stand rather than appearing overly cautious or "focus group tested." However, not all members shared this view. Yvonne Reeves-Chong voted against the abolition measure, cautioning that it might alienate certain voter groups while appealing only to a segment of the party's base. She urged the party to prioritize winning elections to enact policy changes.

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I would strongly suggest we get to the business of winning races so we can make the policies that make a difference.

DNC Chairman Ken Martin acknowledged the party's unified disapproval of the current administration's immigration policies, including those of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). "Clearly, the one thing that unites Democrats, regardless of their position on reform versus abolish or whatever other ways to change what’s happening, is people believe that what ICE is doing right now, and CBP and the federal government, should stop," Martin stated. He emphasized that there must be a better approach. Immigration remains a potent issue for Trump, with a recent poll indicating that only 39% of US adults approve of his performance on immigration, a decline from earlier in his term.

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Clearly, the one thing that unites Democrats, regardless of their position on reform versus abolish or whatever other ways to change what’s happening, is people believe that what ICE is doing right now, and CBP and the federal government, should stop. There has to be a better way.