Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has reignited her campaign to dismantle U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), using the platform to rally support and raise funds amid an aggressive new immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
In a message to her supporters, Ocasio-Cortez described ICE as an outdated agency born of post-9/11 policy, arguing that it has become a tool for what she sees as inhumane and unjust immigration practices. She reiterated her belief that the agency no longer aligns with the values of a just and equitable immigration system.
The renewed push comes as ICE reports more than 66,000 arrests and 65,000 deportations within the first 100 days of Trump’s second term. Administration officials claim the majority of those removed had criminal histories, though critics argue that the broad sweep has also ensnared non-violent individuals and disrupted families.
Ocasio-Cortez has faced backlash from Republican leaders and immigration hardliners, who accuse her of undermining border security. A recent webinar she hosted, aimed at educating undocumented immigrants about their rights, was particularly criticized by officials who claim it interferes with enforcement operations.
Despite the opposition, Ocasio-Cortez remains firm in her stance, positioning her campaign as a fight for human rights and dignity in the face of what she views as an oppressive immigration agenda. The clash underscores the sharp divide between progressive lawmakers and the Trump administration over the future of immigration policy in the U.S.