Democrats’ drive to abolish ICE is understandable, but not smart politics.
It could hurt us as much as “defund the police” did.
Trump won in 2024, in part, because voters thought President Biden and Democrats were too soft on illegal immigration.
Now, people think Trump is too harsh.
“Abolish ICE” lets Republicans off the hook for the abuses, brutality and killings in Minneapolis.
A reader – a Democrat with decades of experience in law, politics and law enforcement – has a better idea.
He wrote, “This is an opportunity for Congress to insert some amended language on what ICE must do in the future,” such as:
- Body cameras on at all times
- ICE agents must comply with all de-escalation policies of law enforcement
- Secure all crime scenes
- Treat all people with dignity and respect
- Allow local law enforcement to investigate crime scenes
- “Recognize that violation of excessive force laws is not in the scope of ICE/CBP duty and therefore is ineligible for qualified immunity.”
Will Republicans vote against those common-sense steps?
If they do, they’ll have some explaining to do – and they’ll be on the defensive.
That’s how Democrats can win the mid-term elections and win Congress.
That’s how to rein in ICE.
Axios photo.
