Angie Nixon, a Democrat running for the Senate in Florida, has been vocal in her criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She has labeled ICE officers as “THUGS” and “kidnappers” and has likened immigration detention centers to “modern day concentration camps.” Nixon has called for the agency’s abolition as she faces off against incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL).
As a state representative and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Nixon has made it clear that getting rid of ICE is a key focus of her immigration stance. In her social media posts, she has referred to ICE officers as “THUGS” and described the abolishment of ICE as a “moral choice,” arguing that the U.S. should cease funding an agency that, in her view, terrorizes communities and acts like a rogue, paramilitary force.
Nixon has gone further, calling ICE enforcement “state-sanctioned violence,” portraying the agency as a “weaponized paramilitary force designed to instill fear.” In a recent video, she termed ICE officers as “kidnappers” and suggested that their identities should be revealed. Moreover, she has drawn parallels between immigration detention facilities and “modern day concentration camps,” reinforcing her stance by asserting that ICE agents are akin to present-day slave catchers.
Interestingly, Nixon has hinted that ICE agents could face violence themselves, saying, “We are a stand your ground state… I am concerned that some ICE officials might be shot.” She has made claims that ICE officers discriminate and may endanger Black Americans, asserting that they wrongly profile individuals and escalate situations. “We’re Black. They gonna profile us, too,” she said, emphasizing her concern over potential violence against Black individuals.
Continuing with her argument, she stated that action needs to be taken, highlighting the importance of sending representatives to Washington who would investigate and hold “bad actors” accountable. Nixon believes ICE was established following the 9/11 attacks to intimidate and profile the Muslim community, and it has since evolved to target immigrants, casting them in a negative light.
Nixon has also voiced her opinion that Republicans are endangering lives when it comes to ICE enforcement. “They are literally trying to kill us, and they are doing it on camera,” she stated, addressing the prospects of working with the opposing party.
A spokesperson from RNC responded to her claims, characterizing Nixon as extreme for labeling those who capture violent criminals and illegal immigrants as “kidnappers” and “thugs.” They argued that what she advocates—abolishing ICE—would undermine public safety.
Some of the “worst of the worst” illegal immigrants nabbed by ICE in Florida include individuals like Shaquiel Sheldon Williams, who is accused of stabbing two employees at a Burger King, and Antonio Cordova-Sajic, who had prior convictions for sexual misconduct.
Additional cases brought to light include Edy Jose Rivas-Rizo, who allegedly fatally harmed his roommate, and Carlos Suarez Contreras, involved in a fatal auto incident. Responsibilities like these are part of the concerns expressed by DHS regarding those Nixon wishes to protect.
The department has also mentioned other severe offenders, showcasing how ICE plays a role in targeting dangerous individuals within the immigrant community.
