Illinois Democrats Unite Behind Radical Call to 'Abolish ICE', Amid Concerns Over Midterm Consequences
A growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers in Illinois is demanding the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about its impact on midterm elections. The call to abolish ICE, once associated with radical progressive groups, now resonates within the party's mainstream ranks.
Several prominent Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, Senate candidates Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton, and state Senator Kat Abughazaleh, have all signed on to this cause, citing concerns over ICE's "terrorizing communities" and perpetuating Trump's authoritarian agenda.
Ramirez took a strong stance against the movement in January, warning Democrats that using extreme rhetoric would be "politically lethal." However, she has since shifted her position, pushing for an impeachment inquiry into Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The move is seen as a long shot, with many experts predicting it will fail.
Despite the controversy surrounding the calls to abolish ICE, support for the movement remains strong among Democrats. A recent poll found that 77% of Democratic lawmakers and 46% of U.S. adult citizens support abolishing the agency. Many Illinois Democrats have also pledged to limit funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless there are meaningful reforms in place.
The push to abolish ICE has gained momentum following the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, as well as a string of high-profile immigration enforcement actions in U.S. cities. While some have warned that this movement could be a losing message for Democrats, it seems to be gaining traction among voters.
At the forefront of this effort is Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who has filed articles of impeachment against Noem and received support from several Democratic colleagues, including Krishnamoorthi. The move is seen as an attempt to pressure the party's leadership into taking a stronger stance on immigration reform.
As the push for abolition gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether this will have long-term consequences for Democrats in Illinois. One thing is clear: the once-radical call to abolish ICE has become a mainstream position within the party, and its impact on the 2024 midterm elections will likely be significant.
A growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers in Illinois is demanding the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about its impact on midterm elections. The call to abolish ICE, once associated with radical progressive groups, now resonates within the party's mainstream ranks.
Several prominent Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, Senate candidates Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton, and state Senator Kat Abughazaleh, have all signed on to this cause, citing concerns over ICE's "terrorizing communities" and perpetuating Trump's authoritarian agenda.
Ramirez took a strong stance against the movement in January, warning Democrats that using extreme rhetoric would be "politically lethal." However, she has since shifted her position, pushing for an impeachment inquiry into Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The move is seen as a long shot, with many experts predicting it will fail.
Despite the controversy surrounding the calls to abolish ICE, support for the movement remains strong among Democrats. A recent poll found that 77% of Democratic lawmakers and 46% of U.S. adult citizens support abolishing the agency. Many Illinois Democrats have also pledged to limit funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless there are meaningful reforms in place.
The push to abolish ICE has gained momentum following the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, as well as a string of high-profile immigration enforcement actions in U.S. cities. While some have warned that this movement could be a losing message for Democrats, it seems to be gaining traction among voters.
At the forefront of this effort is Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who has filed articles of impeachment against Noem and received support from several Democratic colleagues, including Krishnamoorthi. The move is seen as an attempt to pressure the party's leadership into taking a stronger stance on immigration reform.
As the push for abolition gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether this will have long-term consequences for Democrats in Illinois. One thing is clear: the once-radical call to abolish ICE has become a mainstream position within the party, and its impact on the 2024 midterm elections will likely be significant.