A fierce internal debate is unfolding within the Democratic Party as progressive lawmakers renew calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE. The slogan is creating a growing political problem for centrist Democrats, who fear it could alienate swing voters and become a liability in upcoming elections.
The issue gained renewed attention following a deadly incident in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as reported by Fox News. During a federal immigration enforcement operation last week, an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good. Federal officials said agents were attempting to make arrests when Good tried to use her vehicle as a weapon, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense.
That account was quickly challenged by local Democratic leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who rejected the self-defense claim. Minnesota has since filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the immigration enforcement surge in the state is unlawful and unprecedented.
A familiar slogan reopens old political wounds
The Minneapolis shooting has fueled protests nationwide and energized progressive lawmakers who argue ICE has moved beyond reform. Representative Shri Thanedar said he plans to introduce legislation to abolish the agency, calling it out of control. Representatives Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota have reiterated similar views, while Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has previously labeled ICE a rogue agency that should not exist.
More centrist Democrats and allied groups are warning that the rhetoric carries serious political risks. The center-left think tank Third Way released a memo cautioning that while the slogan is simple, it is politically damaging and could hand Republicans an effective campaign weapon. The group argued that focusing on abolition undercuts opportunities for achievable reforms. Those concerns mirror worries about election interference and legal challenges, as Democrats quietly assemble legal teams ahead of upcoming contests.
Democratic strategists have drawn comparisons to the defund the police movement that emerged in 2020, which Republicans later used extensively in campaign messaging. Adam Jentleson, president of the Searchlight Institute, echoed those concerns, calling abolition rhetoric a political albatross that leaves little room for practical policy discussions.
Instead, moderates have urged a shift toward accountability measures, including limits on the use of force and stronger oversight of ICE operations. They argue immigration laws should be enforced, but in ways that protect civil liberties and public safety.
Some Democratic leaders are attempting to stake out a middle position. The Congressional Progressive Caucus has said it will oppose funding for ICE in upcoming appropriations bills unless major reforms are enacted, stopping short of explicitly calling for abolition. Representative Pete Aguilar of California said House Democrats want stronger oversight, accusing the agency of terrorizing people in communities. The Minneapolis incident has remained in focus locally as well, with continued concerns after federal officers opened fire again in the city days later.
Republicans, meanwhile, have rallied firmly behind ICE. President Trump praised the Minneapolis operation as highly successful and warned Minnesota leaders that he could invoke the Insurrection Act if they failed to stop what he described as attacks on ICE agents. The National Republican Congressional Committee has also seized on the Democratic divide, pressing House Democrats on whether they support continued funding for the agency.
Polling suggests the issue remains deeply polarized. Recent surveys show a majority of Americans believe ICE enforcement actions make cities less safe, with 57 percent giving the agency negative marks overall. While Democrats and independents largely disapprove of ICE, most Republicans continue to support its actions.
Published: Jan 15, 2026 05:30 pm