The Democratic National Committee’s Resolutions Committee approved a resolution calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during its summer meeting in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 13. The measure passed 25 to 12, advancing a proposal that urges Democratic lawmakers to draft legislation eliminating the agency and enacting broader immigration reforms.
The resolution, introduced by Michele Johnson, a DNC committeewoman from Louisiana, frames ICE abolition as part of a broader push for immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship, worker protections, and improved conditions for detainees. It cites allegations of poor conditions in detention facilities and the deaths of ICE detainees as key motivations. Johnson argued that incremental reforms would not address what she described as a systemic culture within the agency, stating that ‘no amount of tinkering at the edges will make the culture change.’
During the committee meeting, an amendment proposed by Terri Pickens of Idaho to replace the word ‘abolishing’ with ‘completely restructuring’ was withdrawn. Johnson emphasized her preference for elimination over reform, citing incidents such as the death of anti-ICE protester Renee Good in Minneapolis and comments from White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller advocating for mass arrests. She alleged that ICE ‘treats all individuals with my skin color and darker like criminals.’
The vote reflects ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding immigration enforcement. While some members support abolition, others advocate for structural reform. The resolution now moves to the full DNC for potential approval, as the party refines its messaging ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Background on DNC leadership dynamics
Separate reporting from the meeting highlighted internal party dynamics, with DNC members rallying around Chairman Ken Martin despite financial challenges and criticism. The DNC reported $16.3 million in cash on hand and $18 million in debt as of June, compared to the Republican National Committee’s $128 million cash on hand with no debt. Martin faced calls to resign following revelations about his management, including allegations of throwing a phone at a staff member and using DNC headquarters as collateral for a $15 million line of credit. However, committee members publicly defended his leadership during the meeting.