By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The article highlights the increasing support for abolishing ICE, spurred by the agency’s actions, including the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Despite rising public sentiment, establishment Democrats are hesitant to embrace the “Abolish ICE” movement, instead focusing on incremental reforms and distancing themselves from more progressive stances. Recent polls reveal that a plurality of Americans now support abolishing ICE, with a significant shift in public opinion, suggesting that this stance may be on its way to becoming more mainstream. The author argues that Democrats risk political failure by continuing to avoid this issue, missing an opportunity to differentiate themselves and address the growing concerns about ICE’s role and actions.
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“Abolish ICE” Is More Popular Than Ever. How Will Democrats Drop the Ball This Time? | Establishment Democrats are rejecting an increasingly popular position by refusing to take a bold stance that happens to be good politics. It’s a recurring theme, isn’t it? A progressive cause gains momentum, public support swells, and then, seemingly by design, the Democratic establishment finds a way to fumble the ball. In this case, the increasingly popular call to abolish ICE, a position that resonates with a growing segment of the population, is being met with resistance from key figures within the Democratic Party.
The narrative often goes like this: a deeply unpopular agency, in this instance ICE, becomes a symbol of broader injustices. Public outrage builds, fueled by reports of abuse, separation of families, and a general lack of accountability. The logical response, especially from a party that claims to represent progressive values, would be to embrace the movement and propose solutions. But instead, we see a reticence, a reluctance to take a bold stance that could energize the base and shift the political landscape. Instead, the focus becomes about not “hurting our GOP colleagues’ feelings” and waiting for the Republicans to “do the right thing”.
The crux of the issue lies in the perception of what constitutes “good politics.” For many establishment Democrats, playing it safe, avoiding controversy, and seeking compromise are the keys to electoral success. They believe that taking a strong position on a polarizing issue, like abolishing ICE, could alienate moderate voters and jeopardize their chances of winning. But the reality is often the opposite. Bold stances can galvanize the base, attract new voters, and force the opposition to defend their positions, and in this case, a strong stance might even energize voters and force a positive change.
The messaging, as always, is critical. The “Abolish ICE” message needs to be simple, clear, and relatable. It’s not just about eliminating an agency; it’s about addressing the systemic issues that ICE represents. It’s about accountability, justice, and compassion. To the voters, this means a shift away from the policies that are the root cause for ICE’s creation in the first place.
The fear, however, that Democrats have of immigrants and immigration in general is still a strong tool used by the opposition, so the party’s leadership still appears reluctant to take a stand.
The consequences of this inaction are numerous. It disillusions the base, emboldens the opposition, and allows the status quo to persist. Instead of driving the conversation, the Democrats are often playing defense, reacting to events rather than shaping them. But the real goal is to go after the root problems and prosecute those in ICE, which are the actions many voters are seeking to happen.
The path forward for Democrats who want to be aligned with their base is clear: take a stand. Clearly say that we are going to vote to abolish ICE unless they meet these exact criteria. Then you work to impose that criteria.
It’s about seizing the initiative, embracing the energy of the movement, and offering a compelling vision for the future. As voters become more aware of the issues, they are crossing the aisle for change, and if the Democratic party doesn’t align with these issues, there will be more losses. It is by design, and in order to get a new solution, the current system needs to go.
The calls to action are already out there: it’s time to abolish ICE. It’s time for direct action. Primary elections are the most important elections of all. It’s about being bold, being clear, and showing that they’re on the side of justice.