Here’s something I want to say ahead of the next few years. If Democrats take steps to drastically reform ICE after the 2026 midterms, they better not resort to mass firings of ICE employees.
And before anyone misunderstands me, let me make something clear: This is not me saying I’m against reforming ICE. This is me saying I’m pro-worker.
Yes, ICE agents are workers, too. Whether you like them or dislike them, whether you agree with their jobs or disagree with their actions, they are still people who have jobs, families, bills to pay, and livelihoods to maintain.
And let’s remember what happened with DOGE and the mass government layoffs under Trump. I opposed those kinds of mass firings, and I would oppose them if Democrats decided to do the same thing.
You cannot criticize one administration for handling government employees that way and then turn around and use the exact same approach when your own political party is in power.
If Democrats want to reform ICE, then fine. Have conversations about what needs to change. Look at the agency’s policies, procedures, leadership, training, accountability, and overall structure. If certain positions need to be changed or eliminated, then handle that through a thoughtful process.
But don’t just turn around and fire thousands of people overnight for the sake of making a political statement.
Because here’s the thing: Being pro-worker should not depend on whether you personally like the worker or agree with their profession.
You can support immigration reform. You can criticize ICE. You can demand accountability for misconduct. You can believe the agency needs significant changes. And you can still recognize that government employees deserve fair treatment.
Those ideas aren’t mutually exclusive.
So, Democrats, if you get the opportunity to make significant changes to ICE in the coming years, remember this: Don’t repeat the same mistakes you criticized Trump and DOGE for making.
Reform doesn’t have to mean mass firings. And being pro-worker should mean being pro-worker for everyone, not just the people you happen to agree with.