Illinois Democrats Debate ICE Agency in Senate Race

Candidates for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat are discussing the future of the ICE agency. Some want to end it, while others want to change it. Learn about their different plans for immigration policy.
By Newsroom | Politics, Illinois |

The contest to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate has become a focal point for differing approaches to immigration enforcement, particularly concerning the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. With the incumbent Senator Dick Durbin retiring, the Democratic primary has intensified, showcasing a clear divergence in how candidates propose to address immigration policy and counter the policies of the previous presidential administration. The central tension revolves around the future of ICE, with one candidate advocating for its abolition while others propose reforms or acknowledge its existing functions.

Candidates and Their Stances on Immigration Enforcement

Three prominent Democratic candidates are vying for the nomination: Tammy Duckworth, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Juliana Stratton. Their policy discussions, particularly in recent debates, have frequently centered on immigration and their strategies for combating what they term "Trump's ICE."

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  • Juliana Stratton has positioned herself as the most progressive candidate, openly calling for the abolition of ICE.

  • Raja Krishnamoorthi, while acknowledging the need to address concerns about ICE's operations, has stated he would "hear out" potential candidates regarding their positions and has suggested that ICE has roles beyond high-profile immigration crackdowns, such as combating human trafficking and drug smuggling. He also disclosed contributing campaign funds to immigration relief organizations after learning they originated from sources tied to ICE.

  • Tammy Duckworth appears to align with a reformist approach, focusing on specific policy changes and broader governmental trust rather than outright abolition.

Key Debates and Policy Disagreements

The Illinois Democratic Senate primary has been characterized by direct confrontations on immigration.

  • Abolishing ICE: Stratton is the sole candidate among the leading contenders who has unequivocally called for ICE to be abolished. This stance has been a defining element of her campaign, distinguishing her from her rivals.

  • ICE's Role and Reform: Krishnamoorthi has indicated a willingness to explore the dismantling of "Trump's ICE" while also recognizing ICE's other functions. He has sought to project an image of measured consideration, proposing to evaluate all perspectives on the issue.

  • Broader Policy Platforms: Beyond ICE, candidates have discussed other policy areas, including strengthening voting access, limiting presidential powers on tariffs and pardons, and addressing mid-decade redistricting. These discussions highlight a broader spectrum of progressive and moderate Democratic viewpoints within the state.

Campaign Strategies and Public Perception

The candidates are actively employing various methods to communicate their platforms and differentiate themselves.

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  • Advertising Campaigns: Both Krishnamoorthi's campaign and allies of Stratton have released advertisements that directly address their candidates' stances on ICE. This indicates the issue's prominence and its strategic importance in swaying primary voters.

  • Debate Performance: The debates have served as critical platforms for candidates to articulate their positions. Stratton's consistent advocacy for abolishing ICE has been a focal point, while Krishnamoorthi has navigated the issue with a more nuanced approach, and Duckworth has focused on broader reform.

  • Public Polling: While not explicitly detailed in the provided summaries, references to Kelly being in a "tight second-place race" with Stratton suggest a competitive environment where policy stances, including those on immigration, are closely scrutinized by the electorate.

Expert Commentary and Analysis

  • Strategic Positioning: The debate over ICE appears to be a deliberate strategy by some candidates, particularly Stratton, to capture a progressive base. This tactic aims to draw a clear ideological contrast with potential opponents.

  • Electoral Implications: The intensity of the immigration debate suggests that this issue will remain a significant factor in the primary election. The candidates' ability to connect with voters on this topic may well determine the outcome.

  • Messaging Nuances: The distinct ways candidates frame their positions—abolition versus reform versus nuanced acknowledgment of existing functions—reflect differing interpretations of voter sentiment and strategic priorities in a primary election.

Conclusion

The Illinois Democratic U.S. Senate primary is actively engaged in a spirited debate over immigration policy, with the future of ICE at its core. Juliana Stratton has staked out a progressive position by advocating for its abolition, while Raja Krishnamoorthi has taken a more measured approach, acknowledging concerns about current operations but also recognizing existing functions of the agency. Tammy Duckworth also participates in these discussions, contributing to a broader discourse on policy. The candidates are using debates and advertising to highlight these differences, making immigration enforcement a central theme in their pursuit of the Senate seat. The outcome of this primary will likely hinge on which candidate's vision for immigration policy resonates most effectively with the Illinois Democratic electorate.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is running for the Illinois Senate seat?
Tammy Duckworth, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Juliana Stratton are key Democratic candidates. They are discussing immigration policy.
Q: What are the candidates' views on ICE?
Juliana Stratton wants to end the ICE agency. Raja Krishnamoorthi is open to change but sees other roles for ICE. Tammy Duckworth focuses on policy changes.
Q: Why is immigration policy a big topic?
The candidates are debating how to handle immigration and what the ICE agency should do. This is an important issue for voters in the primary election.
Q: When is the election?
The article mentions debates happening in late January and early February 2026, suggesting the primary election is around that time.