Democrats found their border message. ICE is another story.

Democrats have increasingly emphasized a unified stance on border issues, yet their positions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remain fragmented, revealing internal divisions within the party. While border-state Democrats are crafting messages focused on reform rather than abolition, others continue to criticize ICE's practices, highlighting tensions over how best to address immigration enforcement. Moderate Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), currently serving as the ranking member on the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee, has outlined potential reforms he would pursue should Democrats regain control of the House. These include mandating body cameras for agents, requiring judicial warrants prior to entering homes or workplaces, and reinstating guidelines to prevent enforcement in sensitive locations such as churches and hospitals. During a recent press briefing following a meeting with Sister Leticia "Letty" Ugboaja, a nun detained by ICE while attending Sunday Mass, Cuellar stated, “I don’t believe in abolishing ICE. I don’t believe in defunding the police. There’s a role for them. But they have to have the right safeguards. What ICE is doing right now is not right. It is not correct.” In contrast, some border-state Democrats appear less influenced by the more radical elements of the party advocating for ICE's dissolution. Abel Prado, campaign manager for Bobby Pulido, the Democratic nominee in Texas' 15th District, noted, “I personally don’t follow what national Democrats are saying on this.” Similarly, William Lawrence, co-founder of the Sunshine Movement and winner of the Democratic primary in Michigan’s 7th District, had previously called for ICE’s abolition but avoided confirming whether that remained his stance when contacted recently. In a statement, Lawrence remarked, “I don’t care what our immigration enforcement agency is called. What I care about is immigration policy that adheres to the Constitution and lives up to our country’s highest values.” Frank Sharry, a prominent Democratic immigration advocate and advisor to both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, suggested that the phrase “abolish ICE” might not be strategically advantageous for candidates aiming to secure key legislative victories. “I don’t think that ‘abolish ICE’ gets you much more than a little bit of play in a primary and a round of applause in the blue bubble,” Sharry said. He argued that candidates seeking to gain influence in the House and Senate, and ultimately the presidency, would benefit from steering clear of divisive rhetoric. Meanwhile, Representative Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) voiced sharp criticism against ICE during a segment on CNN’s “OutFront.” The host, Erin Burnett, presented footage of a five-year-old boy named Liam, who was crying while holding the hand of his handcuffed father, both of whom had been detained by ICE during a traffic stop in Texas. Dean responded, “Another little boy named Liam caught up in the despicable web of this inhumane ICE set of circumstances. And it is under the president.” She described her visit to Dilley, Texas, where she witnessed conditions she deemed abusive toward children, parents, and families, including neglect of healthcare services. Dean expressed frustration with the lack of meaningful immigration reform under the current administration. “I wanted this president to be successful. We want immigration reform that makes any sense. But, of course, we’ve never seen it. Another little boy named Liam, and if the reporting is correct, I believe he and his father have been taken to Dilley, Texas, where I have been, and I have seen the abuses there, the abuses of children, the abuses of parents, families, the abuses of health care, the ignoring.” She concluded, “It is a place of terrible abuse. Another little Liam. This is not what America stands for.”