The push to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has gained momentum in recent days, with more Americans than ever before supporting the measure. The demand for its abolition has been on the rise since January, when thousands of federal agents were deployed to Minneapolis by the Trump administration to crack down on a Somali population deemed "involuntary guest workers." Since then, the city has been under siege as protesters have taken to the streets and called for an end to ICE's operations.
The Democratic establishment, however, seems reluctant to take up the mantle. Despite the widespread outrage over ICE's actions in Minneapolis, top Democrats like Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) have distanced themselves from the idea of abolishing the agency. Instead, they are pushing for incremental reforms that would only marginally address the problems with ICE.
The polls show a stark contrast between this approach and the views of the American public. A recent survey conducted by The Economist/YouGov found that 46 percent of respondents supported abolishing ICE, while only 43 percent opposed it. The shift is significant, as in July last year, only 27 percent of respondents supported abolishing ICE.
This growth in support for abolishing ICE could be the result of increased awareness about the agency's actions in Minneapolis and other cities across the country. However, Democrats seem to be playing catch-up, rather than taking the lead in addressing this growing issue.
The real problem with the incremental approach pushed by establishment Democrats is that it fails to address the fundamental issues with ICE. The agency has a long history of operating as a violent, lawless force that has targeted communities of color and immigrant populations without regard for due process or human rights. Abolishing ICE would be a crucial step in dismantling this system and creating a more just and equitable immigration policy.
While it may not happen overnight, Democrats should take note of the changing tides on this issue. To regain the trust of the American public and to address the growing demand for action, they should consider taking bold steps towards abolishing ICE. This could be the moderate position that could ultimately lead to their victory in the next election.
As The Intercept notes, setting oneself apart from Democrats like Kamala Harris by being bold can actually be a path to winning back power. By taking a clear stance on abolishing ICE and working towards dismantling the agency, Democrats would demonstrate their commitment to defending democracy and upholding human rights. It's time for them to take action rather than playing catch-up with the growing public sentiment against ICE.
The Democratic establishment, however, seems reluctant to take up the mantle. Despite the widespread outrage over ICE's actions in Minneapolis, top Democrats like Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) have distanced themselves from the idea of abolishing the agency. Instead, they are pushing for incremental reforms that would only marginally address the problems with ICE.
The polls show a stark contrast between this approach and the views of the American public. A recent survey conducted by The Economist/YouGov found that 46 percent of respondents supported abolishing ICE, while only 43 percent opposed it. The shift is significant, as in July last year, only 27 percent of respondents supported abolishing ICE.
This growth in support for abolishing ICE could be the result of increased awareness about the agency's actions in Minneapolis and other cities across the country. However, Democrats seem to be playing catch-up, rather than taking the lead in addressing this growing issue.
The real problem with the incremental approach pushed by establishment Democrats is that it fails to address the fundamental issues with ICE. The agency has a long history of operating as a violent, lawless force that has targeted communities of color and immigrant populations without regard for due process or human rights. Abolishing ICE would be a crucial step in dismantling this system and creating a more just and equitable immigration policy.
While it may not happen overnight, Democrats should take note of the changing tides on this issue. To regain the trust of the American public and to address the growing demand for action, they should consider taking bold steps towards abolishing ICE. This could be the moderate position that could ultimately lead to their victory in the next election.
As The Intercept notes, setting oneself apart from Democrats like Kamala Harris by being bold can actually be a path to winning back power. By taking a clear stance on abolishing ICE and working towards dismantling the agency, Democrats would demonstrate their commitment to defending democracy and upholding human rights. It's time for them to take action rather than playing catch-up with the growing public sentiment against ICE.
ICE has been causing so much harm and injustice in our communities, especially in cities like minneapolis where they're trying to push people around and it's just not right. i feel for the ppl who have lost loved ones or had their rights taken away because of ice's actions it's time for us to demand change and hold our elected officials accountable 
we need bold leaders who are willing to take a stand on this issue rather than playing it safe with incremental reforms that don't even scratch the surface. i'm all about the abolishment of ice and i think we should start seeing more ppl, including dems, coming out in support of this cause 
they should really take a closer look at what's going on in Minneapolis 
it's not just about abolishing ice, but also about addressing the systemic issues that led to this situation in the first place 
I'm loving this momentum behind abolishing ICE! It's like we're finally seeing some real change coming from the people, you know? I mean, those actions in Minneapolis were totally unacceptable and it's awesome that so many Americans are standing up for what's right. The establishment Democrats need to catch up on this one - we can't just play it safe and expect things to magically get better. We need bold action and a clear commitment to human rights and justice. I'm all about seeing our leaders take a stand and lead the way, especially when it comes to issues that affect marginalized communities 
. Can't believe Dem leaders are still mum about it 
. Time for them to step up and lead, not just play politics 
. They need to take the bull by the horns and abolish ICE once and for all, you feel me? It's time for them to show they're with the people on this one 
. I'm loving the momentum behind this movement, and it's about time Democrats step up their game 
.
they have the most amazing avocado toast, I'm totally craving it now... anyway, back to this whole ICE thing... I mean, can you imagine a world without borders? like, what if we just all became one big happy global village? no more walls, no more fences, just free movement and understanding 
. but seriously, the US needs to rethink its immigration policies, it's so outdated.
. like, incremental reforms ain't gonna cut it if u want 2 be taken seriously about change. we need bold action here not just lip service to the public's demands. ice is a system that's been perpetuating harm & injustice in this country 4 far too long, and if dems really wanna make a difference, they need to take a stand on abolition 
they're getting left in the dust by the americans who are finally seeing ice for what it is - a total disaster 
meanwhile, kamala harris is still stuck on that whole "we need to work with republicans" thing 
. But at the same time, I get where Democrats are coming from... I mean, incremental reforms might be a good starting point? And what if we're talking about people who were here before the current laws even existed 
? It's all so messy and complicated 
.
. The thing is, every time I look at those photos of families being torn apart at the border, my heart just gives up 
. But then again, what about all the people who are already here and have built their lives? Do we really want to just erase them overnight 
? I don't know what to do anymore 
. If they want to win back power, they need to show people that they're committed to standing up for what's right and defending democracy 
The only way to really make a difference is to take a bold stance and go all in on abolishing ICE. I mean, think about it... if we can get rid of this lawless agency that's terrorizing communities of color and immigrant populations without due process or human rights, wouldn't that be a major step forward for justice and equality? 
I swear, sometimes I think these politicians are more interested in saving their own skins than actually doing what's best for the country... it's so infuriating! 
that's a massive shift from last year, when only 27% were on board. 
I'm not surprised, though - we've seen some pretty disturbing footage of ICE's tactics in Minneapolis and other cities. 
it's time for Democrats to take a stand and lead the charge on reforming our immigration system. 
incremental changes just won't cut it anymore - we need bold action to dismantle this violent, lawless force that's been targeting communities of color and immigrant populations for far too long. 
.
. I'm not saying it'll happen overnight, but come on, can't they see how this issue is growing and that we need them to take action now?!