Democrats Divided on ICE: Abolish or Reform?

Democrats are grappling with a deep division over the future of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, with party members split between calls for its abolition and demands for reform. This internal conflict was evident at a recent Democratic National Committee (DNC) summer meeting, where members approved dueling messages on the issue.

The DNC's vote, while not binding for the party's official platform, highlights the sharp opposition to President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the agency's role. Some, like DNC member Michele Johnson, argue for abolishing ICE, citing its predecessor's dissolution as a precedent and urging the party to take a firm stance. "We sound focus group tested... because we’re worried about saying the wrong thing... just stand on business, like take a position," Johnson stated.

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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.

However, not all Democrats agree. Yvonne Reeves-Chong voted against the abolition measure, warning it could alienate voters and hinder the party's ability to win elections. "I would strongly suggest we get to the business of winning races so we can make the policies that make a difference," she advised.

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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 that while Democrats may differ on the specifics of reform versus abolition, there is a unifying belief that the current actions of ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the federal government are unacceptable. "People believe that what ICE is doing right now... should stop," he said, emphasizing the need for a better approach.

Immigration continues to be a potent issue for voters, even impacting President Trump's approval ratings. A recent poll indicated that only 39% of U.S. adults approve of his performance on immigration, a decrease from earlier in his term. This suggests that the ongoing debate and actions surrounding immigration policy are a significant concern for the electorate.

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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.