AOC Intensifies Push to Abolish ICE Amidst Trump’s Immigration Policies

Republicans have launched a fierce critique against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democrat from New York, for reiterating her call to abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, known as ICE. This renewed push came in a recent fundraising email, prompting backlash from conservative circles.

In her fundraising message obtained by media outlets, Ocasio-Cortez voiced her beliefs, stating that ICE, established in 2003 during the era of the Patriot Act, operates as a rogue agency that should cease to exist.

The National Republican Congressional Committee, which serves as the House Republicans’ campaign arm, expressed strong disapproval of her stance. They criticized the 2028 presidential hopeful for leveraging the contentious issue of ICE abolition to raise funds, highlighting how this positions her against President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies.

Mike Marinella, a spokesman for the NRCC, condemned Ocasio-Cortez’s actions in a statement to the press. He argued that she is doubling down on what he describes as her party’s extreme and unhinged agenda, claiming that moderate Democrats are increasingly bowing to the demands of far-left constituents. Marinella ominously predicted that the Democratic platform in 2026 might reflect radical ideals such as defunding the police and maintaining open borders.

In her email, Ocasio-Cortez posed a provocative question: Why does her perspective earn her the label of extremism? This inquiry reflects a rhetorical strategy frequently employed by the New York congresswoman, aiming to connect her political beliefs with broader societal concerns about fairness and justice.

She further articulated her so-called extreme views, which include advocacy for Medicare for All, support for the Green New Deal, challenges to the leadership of the Democratic Party, and a commitment to democratic socialism. Her assertion that ICE should not exist remains a central pillar of her political identity.

Ocasio-Cortez’s involvement in the abolition of ICE movement gained traction during her impressive 2018 congressional campaign, where she unseated established Democrat Joe Crowley. This memorable victory underlined her appeal to younger, progressive voters who are increasingly willing to challenge the status quo.

Unlike their younger counterparts, older, moderate Democrats have not been as vocal about the need to abolish ICE. Yet, other young progressives, including David Hogg, who serves as a vice chair for the Democratic National Committee, have similarly echoed calls to eliminate the agency. Hogg has faced scrutiny from within his party for advocating toward primary challenges against older incumbents, which he claims are not effectively addressing current issues.

During her activism, Ocasio-Cortez has pointed out what she perceives as real and pressing threats to safety and rights in America. In a speech at an event during Sen. Bernie Sanders’