Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Campaigns for Rep. John Larson, Faces ICE Protesters

Jeffries endorses Larson, a 14-term incumbent, as he faces a likely primary challenge from former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned for Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, at an event in Hartford, Connecticut. The event was disrupted by protesters calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jeffries and Larson defended their party's stance on immigration, though they stopped short of endorsing the abolition of ICE.

Why it matters

The disruption highlighted a rift within the Democratic Party between more progressive activists pushing for dramatic reforms, and the party's mainstream leadership. The debate over ICE and immigration policy is a key issue in the 2026 election cycle.

The details

Jeffries was introduced as the likely next House Speaker if Democrats flip three seats in the November elections. He praised Larson as a "tremendous champion" and said Democrats must "push back against this extremism." Protesters interrupted the event, demanding that Jeffries and Larson commit to abolishing ICE. Larson has stopped short of using that language, instead calling for ICE to be "torn down and replaced."

  • The event took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • A federal funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, is on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Hakeem Jeffries

U.S. House Minority Leader and a Democratic representative from New York. He is expected to become the next House Speaker if Democrats gain a majority.

John Larson

U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 1st congressional district, a 14-term incumbent Democrat who faces a likely primary challenge.

Luke Bronin

Former mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, and a Democratic challenger to Larson in the primary election.

Andrew Rice

A Democrat from Milford, Connecticut, and an organizer of ICE protests who is challenging Rep. Rosa DeLauro in the 3rd U.S. House district.

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What they’re saying

“This is a good trouble moment right now in the United States of America. And nobody embodies that more at this moment than John Larson.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House Minority Leader (greenwichtime.com)

“So then why don't you abolish ICE?" and "end the genocide in Palestine?”

— Andrew Rice, ICE protest organizer (greenwichtime.com)

“When you finish, I'll resume my remarks,”

— Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House Minority Leader (greenwichtime.com)

What’s next

The showdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, could lead to a partial government shutdown on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The disruption at the event highlights the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over immigration policy and the role of ICE. This issue is likely to be a key factor in the 2026 election cycle, as progressives push for more dramatic reforms while party leadership advocates for more incremental changes.