Finding a Solution | ICE in Our Airports & the Threat to Deploy ICE Agents to our Voting Booths
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A commitment to work across the aisle to address issues
Carin Elam with research courtesy of Aashvi Geddam
Normalizing the Presence of ICE
At the end of last week, there appeared to be some movement on the terrible situation in the airports. It appeared that Congress had approved a funding bill for DHS but it fell apart again. Regardless of the funding issues, ICE agents remain inside our major airports. The Administration claims that this is happening because TSA is short staffed. But ICE can't perform TSA duties. So, they're present but offering no relief to the long lines.
Travelers are rightly concerned about their presence. People are stopped and asked extra questions and more document checks that normal. Some travelers, even U.S. citizens are getting pulled aside - the fear is not getting asked routine immigration questions but getting unjustly detained and placed in a camp. This is coming from decisions being made in D.C. And now it is showing up in everyday travel.
The President has placed ICE in the airports to normalize their presence on our streets - he began in city centers, now airports. He continues to float the idea that ICE will be present at voting centers during the midterms. Just the mention of ICE is an act of intimidation.
Democrats are Out of Power | What Can Be Done?
While meeting voters, I've been asked, the Democrats are out of power, what can be done. Democrats are already pushing back. They're holding firm in their demands to reign-in ICE and refusing to fund immigration enforcement within the larger DHS funding bill.
But, my larger point about building a bipaertisan coalitiion. To secure the votes needed to pass the Senate's version of the funding bill - to get TSA agents paid - Democrats must negotiate, pressure, convince the 16 Republicans not seeking reelection to do what's right for the country, and vote with Democrats. Maybe Dan Newhouse (R-WA) or Don Bacon (R-NE). Remind them of their higher duty to their constituents who are affected by the current deadlock*. Remind them that ICE already has a TON OF FUNDING from the Big Beautiful Bill.
To address the issue of the President's threat to direct ICE agents to patrol voting centers, Congressional Democrats are planning legal actions to block these moves, but they should also seek a pledge from state-level Secretaries of State that they will enforce existing law. The Constitution states that it's "a federal crime for the military or federal agents to interfere in elections or intimidate voters".
As your representative, I'll fiercely protect your right to vote and sincerely work across the aisle.
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