Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faced significant backlash on Wednesday for labeling the idea of “dismantling ICE” as a “moderate” stance. This came in the wake of a tragic incident where federal immigration agents shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis who allegedly threatened law enforcement during an enforcement operation.
“When you put poorly trained, armed individuals into society under vague directives and without accountability, it leads to situations like this,” stated the Maine Democratic Party. Platner also emphasized his viewpoint on social media, insisting that “ICE must be dismantled.” He further articulated that dismantling ICE is a moderate position, calling for the exposure and accountability of those involved in what he described as “horror.”
The victim of the ICE shooting was identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who reportedly hindered the police by blocking a roadway and allegedly used her vehicle as a weapon during the operation, which was framed by the Department of Homeland Security as “an act of domestic terrorism.”
City Council members characterized the shooting as an “attack” and urged ICE to withdraw immediately to prevent further chaos. This sentiment was mirrored by progressive Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who harshly criticized immigration officials.
Tim Graham from the Media Research Center remarked on the public discourse, stating that “this guy doesn’t understand the middle ground.” Meanwhile, Brianna Reiman from The Federalist commented on Platner’s controversial imagery linked to Nazism, questioning the consistency of his messages on violence against ICE.
Republican consultant Luke Thompson weighed in as well, jesting that Democrats appear to hold an unwavering affection for open borders. Alabama Senate candidate Morgan Murphy argued for ICE, claiming that the same liberals who wanted to defund the police are now calling to dismantle ICE.
Platner has previously been criticized for a tattoo that some have likened to a Nazi symbol, although he has denied any association with Nazism. Notably, the progressive candidate has also faced scrutiny for referring to himself as a “communist” in a since-deleted Reddit post, which he later brushed off as a trivial internet comment.
In light of the shooting incident, protests erupted in Minneapolis, with demonstrators demanding that ICE “leave now” and aggressively banging on glass at the local courthouse.
As Platner campaigns for the Democratic nomination to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in 2026, his controversial statements and the surrounding incidents continue to stir debate and division.
