The Democratic National Committee (DNC) voted on Saturday to support resolutions regarding immigration enforcement, including a measure urging lawmakers to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The vote took place during the DNC's summer meeting in Austin, Texas, amid ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about immigration policy as the midterm elections approach and President Donald Trump expands deportation efforts.
The resolution calls for Democratic members of Congress to enact legislation to dissolve ICE and reduce the immigration detention system. It also seeks to restrict funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless certain enforcement activities, such as workplace raids and arrests at courthouses, cease. DNC chair Ken Martin stated that while official party platforms are determined every four years, Democrats are united in opposing the current immigration enforcement approach.
The White House criticized the resolution, with spokeswoman Lauren Bis stating that Democrats should acknowledge the role of ICE in law enforcement. The resolution outlines steps for immigration enforcement reform, including abolishing ICE, ending detention operations, and expanding civil rights oversight. It emphasizes that immigration detention should be treated as a civil matter, allowing detained immigrants to pursue their cases outside of custody.
The vote reflects a shift in the party's stance on ICE, with some Democratic leaders previously advocating for reforms rather than abolition. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have proposed changes to ICE operations without endorsing its elimination. The resolution highlights the growing anti-ICE sentiment within the party, particularly in primary races where immigration enforcement is a significant issue.