Most rank-and-file Democrats oppose the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, according to polls. But some leading Democrats like the idea … and even actively push for it.
At a time when border security is increasingly important to voters, however, political observers say the idea of getting rid of ICE may not be a good idea for the Democrats in the November midterm elections.
Liberal politicians who want to abolish ICE may pay for it during the midterm elections, considering how a majority of Democrats support keeping the agency. Some Republicans are looking to capitalize on that in November.
Jessica Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies says ICE is a matter of good public policy, not politics. Abolishing ICE won't help meet homeland security goals, Vaughn says.
Vaughan rejects liberal arguments that the agency lacks accountability.
Only 12 percent of Republicans support abolishing ICE.