House Democratic Leader Jeffries rejects calls to abolish ICE
The gist
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are committed to dramatically reforming ICE, not abolishing it.
The split over abolition runs through the party even after its midterm wins.
How it unfolded
- Jan 21, 2026Jeffries told a closed-door meeting he would oppose the bill funding DHS for the rest of the fiscal year, though the caucus did not formally whip against it.
- Feb 4, 2026Jeffries and Schumer conditioned DHS funding on a 10-point reform list including a mask ban, limits on arrests near schools, hospitals and churches, use-of-force rules and body cameras.
- Jul 26, 2026Jeffries declined to rule out a floor vote on abolition if Democrats won the House, while describing the party's goal as reform, per accounts of a CNN interview.