Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville has expressed concerns about the use of the phrase “Abolish ICE,” advising members of his party to focus on reforming the agency instead. His comments come amid ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) taking place in Minneapolis and across the nation.
During a recent episode of his “Politics War Room” podcast, Carville discussed the implications of using extreme language that could alienate voters. He emphasized that terms like “Defund the Police” and “Abolish ICE” could be detrimental to the Democratic Party, suggesting that the focus should shift toward making ICE more effective. Carville stated, “The left is universally wrong about everything,” underlining his belief that Americans support some form of immigration and customs control, despite his criticism of certain actions taken by ICE.
Carville’s remarks followed a recent incident in Minneapolis where ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed local resident Renee Good, a tragedy that has intensified protests and clashes between demonstrators and federal authorities in the area. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has sided with the notion of reforming ICE rather than abolishing it. However, some members of Congress continue to advocate for significant changes, with one House Democrat labeling the agency as “totally out of control” and “beyond reform.”
A poll conducted by The Economist/YouGov revealed that 46% of respondents support the abolition of ICE, reflecting a notable divide among the public on this issue. Carville acknowledged that while some ICE agents are dedicated professionals, he questioned the overall quality of the workforce, suggesting that a significant number may be unqualified or inadequately trained for their roles. He highlighted the importance of having an “expert workforce” to manage immigration and customs issues, arguing that it poses risks not to have a properly functioning agency in place.
Carville’s commentary illustrates the tensions within the Democratic Party regarding immigration policy and the future of agencies like ICE. His advocacy for reform over abolition may resonate with those who seek to address public safety concerns while still upholding immigration enforcement measures.