Should Ice Be Abolished? We Asked TN-5 & TN-9 Dem Candidates

As the newest video confirms, the killing of Renee Good by Trump’s racist ICE goons in Minneapolis is unjustifiable and horrific. It’s just the latest example of a  rogue, overfunded agency operating with impunity.

In the wake of that tragedy we have already seen two examples of trigger-happy ICE agents pointing guns at unarmed protesters. In Portland there is now a report of a husband and wife being shot by ICE (details still emerging). The examples of their unaccountable abuse of power are endless.

Many have been calling for ICE to be abolished for years, but that “Abolish ICE!” cry has now moved from the signs of progressive advocates to the fingers of the likes of Conservative Bill Kristol. It is no longer a “radical” position. (P.S. – It never was.)

Yesterday CNN asked Senator Schumer if he believes ICE should be abolished. He wouldn’t say. But the question is now not only a fair one, it’s an important one. Defunding and scrapping a rogue agency that exists only to exist and terrorize immigrants and racially profile black and brown people is a position many Democrats are expecting those they elect to take.

Here in Tennessee, the most hotly contested Democratic primaries this coming midterms so far appear to be in the 9th District (Memphis), where Rep. Justin J. Pearson is challenging Congressman Steve Cohen, and the 5th District (Nashville & other counties), where a handful of hopefuls are running to replace the always embarrassing Andy “Pinocchiogles” Ogles.

We asked the Dems running: “Do you believe ICE needs to be abolished?”

Their answers are below…

CONGRESSMAN STEVE COHEN:

“My answer is yes. It doesn’t operate as a traditional law enforcement agency, its agents don’t wear uniforms but do wear masks. It has lost the public’s trust as it conducts raids like commando missions.

“I’d add that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should resign. She has no qualifications for the job except that she is ‘Trump Lite’ with no substance and no record.

“I have a long history of questioning Secretary Noem and on her claim that ICE is arresting ‘the worst of the worst,’ which is false. This week I questioned her about ICE agent qualifications and training. See that letter here.”

 

JUSTIN J. PEARSON: Supports abolishing ICE – per the Justice Dems…

Note: Rep. Cohen has since said his vote for HR 488 “thanking ICE” the Justice Dems refer to was a mistake, and he wrote a letter to the speaker saying he meant to vote yes on a different resolution:

 

CHAZ MOLDER (referred us to his statement about Renee Good, which does not take a position on abolishing ICE):

 

MIKE CORTESE (referred us to his statement about Renee Good, which does not take a position on abolishing ICE):

DR. JOYCE NEAL:

“ICE’s goal is to safeguard the United States against illegal immigration and cross-border crime. We need to stop these ICE agents from terrorizing American neighborhoods. Although I do not think ICE should be disbanded, I do think that agents should be held responsible for their acts. Undocumented immigrants who pose no threat to local populations should not be rounded up by masked ICE officials. Every ICE agent should be transferred to the southern border and receive further training on how to handle unauthorized/undocumented immigrants.”

 

JIM TORINO:

“Abolishing ICE is not an unreasonable position given its 2025 history and recent tragic event. The deeper question is whether the federal government can enforce immigration law without criminalizing communities, violating civil rights, or operating beyond meaningful oversight. If it cannot (and this seems to be the case), then abolition or wholesale replacement becomes necessary.”