48% Support Abolishing ICE, But Texas Senatorial Race Shows Internal Democratic Conflict

A Democratic candidate for the Texas state legislature called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the legalization of marijuana during a rally in Lubbock on Tuesday. Malik Williams, speaking for U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico, urged the crowd to tax cannabis and the wealthy. The event took place in a historically Republican state where the agency remains a central point of political debate.

Williams told the audience that the party would abolish ICE. He also pledged to elect Talarico as the next senator from Texas. The speech included references to data centers, ranchers, and farmers, alongside criticism of President Donald Trump and Talarico’s Republican opponent, Ken Paxton. Williams also advocated for increased funding in public education, guaranteed childcare, and expanded healthcare.

Talarico’s position on the agency has shifted during the campaign. In January, during a primary debate with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Talarico said it was time to tear down ICE. He described the agency as a secret police force that shot a mother in the face and kidnapped a 5-year-old boy. He called for an agency that would focus on public safety and said agents should be hauled into Congress to testify.

In a recent town hall with CNN and Jubilee, Talarico denied wanting to abolish the agency. He stated that the country needs ICE but argued that the current version has become a secret police force. He said, 'No, and I never have,' when asked directly if he supported abolition. This recent stance marks a departure from his earlier campaign comments.

National polling data shows a divided public on the issue. A July YouGov and The Economist poll found that 48 percent of Americans support abolishing ICE. In contrast, 67 percent of Republicans strongly oppose the idea. In Texas, a February poll from The Texas Politics Project found that 42 percent of residents view the agency favorably, while 47 percent view it unfavorably.

The Talarico, Williams, and Paxton campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the differing messages. The rally in Lubbock serves as a data point in a state where voters hold moderately negative views of the agency. The election is approaching, and candidates are refining their rhetoric on immigration enforcement.