Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Calls to Abolish ICE Amid Democratic Party Divisions

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has renewed her call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), positioning herself as a leading voice of the Democratic left despite opposition within her party and the broader electorate. She described ICE as a 'rogue agency' formed during the Patriot Act era and has advised undocumented migrants on how to evade arrests, which has drawn criticism from immigration officials. While Ocasio-Cortez's stance resonates with her progressive base and social media followers, polling indicates that a majority of Americans, including many Democrats, support deporting illegal immigrants, especially those with criminal records. Her position has become a focal point for Republican criticism, with the Trump administration and GOP operatives portraying her as the face of the Democratic Party to highlight divisions and rally their base. Democratic strategists argue that far-left immigration policies like hers have harmed the party's image and contributed to electoral losses. Despite this, Ocasio-Cortez continues to embrace her platform as she is considered a potential future presidential candidate.