Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has revived her controversial “Abolish ICE” stance in a new fundraising email, signaling potential presidential ambitions while drawing sharp criticism from Republicans. The self-described “democratic socialist” is positioning herself for a possible 2028 presidential primary run with this message. What would happen to the border if AOC were to become president?
Ocasio-Cortez Revives Controversial Immigration Stance
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has reintroduced her call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a recent campaign fundraising email. This revival of her controversial 2018 campaign platform comes as she positions herself for a potential higher office. The New York Democrat’s renewed focus on dismantling the federal immigration enforcement agency marks a strategic return to the progressive position she had previously downplayed when polls showed limited support even among Democratic voters.
“I believe that ICE, an agency that was just formed in 2003 during the Patriot Act era, is a rogue agency that should not exist.”
The congresswoman’s 2018 campaign included a platform suggesting illegal immigrants deserve a “right of passage” into the United States. Though she temporarily shelved this rhetoric when polls revealed most Democrats did not support eliminating the agency, her recent fundraising efforts indicate a strategic pivot back to her base as speculation grows about her political future. The self-described “democratic socialist” appears to be laying the groundwork for a potential 2027 presidential primary run.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Democratic US Rep. AOC calls to abolish ICE. pic.twitter.com/K5fFsCqBMQ
— Remarks (@remarks) May 28, 2025
Republican Criticism and Border Security Concerns
The timing of Ocasio-Cortez’s renewed anti-ICE messaging comes as border security remains a contentious political issue. Republicans have swiftly criticized her position, particularly in light of ongoing national debates about immigration enforcement. Former ICE officials have been especially vocal in their opposition to her stance. Tom Homan, who previously served in the agency, directly challenged her characterization of ICE’s role and her approach to immigration enforcement.
“What she’s doing, she says she’s educating everybody on their constitutional rights … but what she’s really doing… she’s trying to teach them how to evade law enforcement.”
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate a decline in illegal border crossings in Texas, according to statements from a Texas sheriff. Additionally, a migrant processing center in California has reportedly closed. These developments provide context for the ongoing national debate about immigration enforcement priorities and the effectiveness of current border security measures. The contrast between Ocasio-Cortez’s position and current border trends highlights the political divide on immigration policy.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Calls to Abolish ICE in Latest Campaign Pitchhttps://t.co/SFurIkUFqg
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) May 29, 2025
Political Positioning Amid Broader Immigration Debate
Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign message comes amid several other immigration-related developments. A federal judge recently denied a request to reconsider an order related to a deportee’s return to the United States, while the Department of Homeland Security has honored a Marine killed by a Mexican cartel. Additionally, Senator Marco Rubio has announced visa restrictions for foreign authorities censoring Americans, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of current immigration policy discussions.
ICE, which was established in 2003 as part of the government reorganization following the 9/11 attacks, has remained a lightning rod in immigration debates. Ocasio-Cortez’s characterization of the agency as being formed “during the Patriot Act era” frames it as part of post-9/11 security measures that she and other progressives have criticized. Critics counter that the agency serves an essential function in national security and immigration enforcement that cannot simply be eliminated without replacement.
The renewed call to abolish ICE represents a clear political calculation by Ocasio-Cortez, who continues to position herself as a standard-bearer for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. As immigration remains a defining issue in American politics, her stance will likely continue to generate significant debate among lawmakers, voters, and policy experts across the political spectrum.