Republicans will use the calls to abolish ICE on the left to say that Democrats want to help undocumented immigrants more than Americans and let criminals overrun the country. Already, that rhetoric has begun.
Are these two people who call themselves @GovMikeHuckabee the same guy? pic.twitter.com/CSX8hTzAMT
— Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) June 23, 2018
Now, even ICE agents are calling to abolish the agency, stating that the purpose of the agency has been distorted, and that they “have been perceived as targeting undocumented aliens, instead of the transnational criminal organizations that facilitate cross border crimes impacting our communities and national security.’
NEW: At least 19 ICE special agents have signed a letter to DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen … calling on her to eliminate ICE.
They say Trump's immigration crackdown is preventing them from carrying out the agency’s other duties.https://t.co/yBlN6VXNEQ pic.twitter.com/1Jav6BeVhq
— Caroline Orr (@RVAwonk) June 29, 2018
The comments come from a letter sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielson and signed by at least 19 agents. They told Nielson that two separate agencies should be formed to deal with immigration enforcement so that they can get back to what was once important about their jobs: actual criminals.
According to The New York Times:
‘The investigators said local law enforcement officials have questioned the independence of their agency, given the Trump administration’s aggressive policies against illegal immigration — including arresting undocumented workers for minor offenses, such as driving without a license.’
ICE criminal investigators put @SecNielsen on the spot with complaint letter seeking to distance themselves from Trump's immigration crackdown. No, she has not publicly responded. New from The Post's @NickMiroff https://t.co/UmpfvXDqgE
— Andrew deGrandpre (@adegrandpre) June 28, 2018
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) have both proposed abolishing ICE following the widespread arrests, detainments, and separations of children from their families. The backlash has been deafening, and Trump was eventually forced to sign an executive order temporarily ending the practice. However, thousands of children remain separated from their families.
"If KIDS don't eat in peace, YOU don't eat in peace." https://t.co/vrvht7FvtP
— Radio Insomnio (@radioinsomniopy) June 24, 2018
As long as children remained locked away from their families and parents lie awake at night with no idea where their babies are, the country is in crisis. It seems that even the agents responsible for enforcing Trump’s cruel policies don’t want to be a part of it.
Featured image via Getty/
