Oregon Democrat Labels ICE Enforcement ‘Terrorism,’ Vows to Abolish Agency if Democrats Regain Power
PORTLAND, Ore. — In a fiery town hall held Saturday at Wy’east Middle School, Rep. Maxine Dexter, a progressive Democrat from Oregon, drew sharp criticism and national attention by equating U.S. immigration enforcement efforts with “terrorism.” Dexter, a freshman lawmaker, declared her intent to dismantle and abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should the Democratic Party regain control of Congress and the White House.
“The frank terrorism that is being invoked — when we call that out and stand together, I think people will continue to not want to do that work,” Dexter told an audience, referencing the agency’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump’s administration. Her comments come amid heightened tensions and public unrest in several states, including Minnesota, where two civilians were fatally shot in incidents linked to immigration enforcement actions.
Dexter’s remarks reflect a growing faction within the Democratic Party pushing for sweeping reforms to immigration enforcement policies. Several Democrats have voiced concerns about the agency’s aggressive tactics, which critics argue have led to human rights violations and community destabilization. The debate over ICE’s future has become a flashpoint in national politics, with Republicans generally supporting the agency’s role in border security and Democrats calling for changes or outright abolition.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees ICE, which is responsible for identifying, arresting, and deporting individuals who violate U.S. immigration laws. Since the Trump administration ramped up immigration enforcement, ICE has conducted numerous operations targeting undocumented immigrants, including those with criminal records, which supporters say is vital for public safety.
However, critics like Dexter argue that the agency’s methods amount to state-sponsored intimidation and violence. “I’m not supposed to get political, but if there’s a change in political will, then we can absolutely dismantle and abolish ICE altogether,” she said, underscoring the urgency she feels about reforming immigration enforcement.
The controversy comes as the Biden administration and congressional Democrats face pressure to address immigration policy comprehensively. While the White House has reversed some Trump-era policies, enforcement remains a contentious issue. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to report high numbers of border encounters, fueling debates over resource allocation and humanitarian treatment.
Public reaction to Dexter’s statements has been polarized. Supporters praise her for calling attention to what they view as systemic abuses by ICE, while opponents accuse her of undermining national security and border integrity. The agency itself has highlighted arrests of convicted criminals and violent offenders as part of its mission to protect communities.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, immigration enforcement is expected to remain a central and divisive issue. Rep. Dexter’s vow to abolish ICE if Democrats regain power signals a potential shift in policy direction, one that could reshape the nation’s approach to immigration and border security in the years ahead.
For more information on immigration enforcement and policy, visit the official ICE website, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.
Leave a Reply