House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on “The View” and declined to rule out the possibility of Democrats adopting a radical open borders policy, including defunding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. When asked about calls from the Democratic base to defund ICE following recent controversial raids, Jeffries said he would consider such measures, emphasizing the need for “aggressive oversight” of what he called ICE’s overly aggressive behavior.
Despite Jeffries’ claims, several polls from left-leaning sources like The New York Times and CBS News show broad public support—ranging from 54% to 64%—for mass deportations of illegal immigrants. Jeffries criticized former President Trump’s immigration enforcement, accusing Republicans of targeting law-abiding immigrant families rather than violent felons and making unverified claims about the deportation of American citizens and sick children.
Jeffries’ refusal to dismiss defunding ICE as a potential policy signals growing support among some Democrats for this position, especially among the party’s progressive wing. According to a House Democrat speaking anonymously to Axios, there is increasing pressure from constituents for members to take bold actions—even risking confrontations at ICE facilities.
Senior Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee, including Rep. Rosa DeLauro, have indicated that ICE’s budget will be scrutinized and possibly reduced if Democrats regain control of the House. However, some Democrats remain cautious about embracing defunding rhetoric, fearing it could encourage extremist violence, highlighted by a recent Border Patrol officer shooting incident.
The debate over ICE funding underscores the tension within the Democratic Party between its progressive base and more moderate members as the 2026 elections approach.
