During a Democratic National Committee (DNC) meeting in Austin, Texas, on August 15, 2026, two proposals regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were passed: one advocating for its abolition and another calling for concrete reforms. DNC Chair Ken Martin stated that these votes do not establish the party's official platform but reflect an internal division within the party, particularly among its more socialist members, as the midterm elections approach.
The resolution to abolish ICE urges Congress to draft legislation for its elimination and to limit funding for the Department of Homeland Security. It also seeks to close detention facilities by ending contracts with private prison companies. Supporters of this resolution cite the dissolution of ICE's predecessor, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, as a precedent. Discussions around reforming ICE have included measures such as the implementation of body cameras for agents.
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters criticized the Democratic proposals, claiming they prioritize the protection of illegal immigrants over public safety. He argued that this stance could harm the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.
Additionally, President Donald Trump faced criticism earlier this year following incidents involving ICE agents that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Democrats have been attempting to leverage public discontent with Trump's immigration policies, while Republicans have pointed to declining crime rates as a counter-narrative.
At the same meeting, the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee announced that South Carolina will be the first state to vote in the 2028 presidential primary.