A recent memo from the center-left think tank Third Way suggests that Democrats should steer clear of the “abolish ICE” rhetoric and focus instead on broader immigration reforms.
This guidance comes amid renewed calls from progressive figures following a tragic incident in Minnesota, where a woman was fatally shot during an event involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Third Way acknowledges the concerns regarding the Trump administration’s immigration policies, describing them as excessive and reckless. However, they caution against the move to entirely dismantle all immigration enforcement.
The memo highlights the emotional appeal of the “abolish ICE” slogan, labeling it politically risky. It asserts that such demands could potentially jeopardize one of the best chances for significant immigration reform while also providing Republicans with a contentious issue to rally around. Instead, Third Way advocates for addressing human rights violations rather than targeting ICE itself.
The group emphasizes that Democrats should concentrate on ending the unchecked use of force by ICE and promoting accountability and transparency in enforcement. They argue that immigration laws require enforcement, which can be done in ways that consider public safety while also respecting legal standards and civil rights. According to them, voters have reacted strongly against the Biden administration’s perceived lack of enforcement while also pushing back against Trump’s overreaches in the past.
Third Way drew parallels between the calls to “abolish ICE” and the “defund the police” movement from 2020, suggesting that both slogans could undermine productive discussions on necessary reforms. The lesson they draw from this comparison is that when discussions devolve into extreme slogans that oppose law and order, the possibility for substantial change diminishes.
The Democratic National Committee has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this memo.
Meanwhile, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a prominent voice in the progressive faction, reiterated her stance in support of abolishing ICE, calling for a thorough investigation into its activities and urging Congress to impose stricter controls on the agency.
