Illinois Democrats Push to Abolish ICE Amid Growing Support

Calls to abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency are gaining momentum among several Illinois Democrats, despite concerns from national party leaders about the implications for upcoming elections. Prominent figures, including U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez and Senate candidates Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton, have publicly endorsed the movement, reigniting discussions following the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.

On January 13, 2023, Ramirez responded on X to warnings from the center-left think tank Third Way regarding the potential political fallout of radical rhetoric. Ramirez declared, “Fine! Abolish ICE and DHS,” reflecting a growing frustration with the current immigration enforcement policies. The memo from Third Way cautioned that extreme positions could undermine opportunities for meaningful reform, potentially handing Republicans a significant advantage in the midterms.

Stratton, Illinois’ lieutenant governor, voiced her concerns about ICE’s operations, stating, “The agency is out of control and beyond reform.” She criticized ICE’s role in enforcing what she described as “Trump’s authoritarian agenda,” asserting that the violence associated with ICE actions will not cease as long as the agency remains intact.

Khrishnamoorthi, who is vying for Richard Durbin‘s Senate seat, echoed similar sentiments on social media, asserting that he would not support additional funding for ICE until the agency operates with accountability. He emphasized the need for reform in light of its unchecked power.

Both Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, and Kat Abughazaleh, a candidate for Congress, have joined the call to abolish ICE. Biss highlighted the urgency of the matter, stating, “This is the moment to draw the line.”

Patty Garcia, a candidate in the 4th Congressional District, has adopted a more progressive stance than her predecessor, U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. She is campaigning on a platform to abolish ICE, arguing that it is time to halt funding and transform how immigrants are treated in the United States. Garcia noted, “It’s hard to turn away from a very clear, very visible picture of what enforcement looks like.”

A recent Economist/YouGov poll conducted between January 9 and January 12 revealed that 46% of U.S. adult citizens surveyed either “strongly or somewhat support” abolishing ICE. Notably, support among Democrats rose to 77%, while 47% of independents and 14% of Republicans expressed similar views.

The Abolish ICE movement initially gained traction in 2018 during President Trump’s administration, largely fueled by the separation of families at the border. While some strategists warned that the movement could be politically damaging, recent incidents, including the killing of Good, have reignited public engagement and support for reform.

In addition to calls for abolishing ICE, Illinois Democrats are also advocating for a coalition to limit funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and address contentious ICE raids. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and the Congressional Progressive Caucus are opposing appropriations that provide funding to immigration enforcement agencies without significant reforms.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, also in contention for Durbin’s Senate seat, has introduced articles of impeachment against South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Kelly alleges that Noem obstructed Congress and violated public trust, a move that Krishnamoorthi has pledged to support. Despite the hurdles she faces, including the need for Republican approval, Kelly’s initiative has garnered attention.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Illinois Democrats are at the forefront of a broader discussion about immigration policy and enforcement practices. Their push to abolish ICE reflects a significant shift in party dynamics, with many advocating for a re-examination of how the U.S. approaches immigration and community safety.