Democrats Debate Abolishing ICE in Illinois Senate Race

Candidates offer different approaches to dismantling Trump's immigration enforcement structure

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The three-way Democratic primary battle for the Illinois Senate seat has evolved into an argument about the best way to combat President Donald Trump's deportation agenda. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton calls for 'abolishing ICE,' while Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi promises to 'abolish Trump's ICE.' Rep. Robin Kelly says the country cannot simply abolish ICE without a plan to replace its border enforcement function, but she has introduced legislation to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Why it matters

The Illinois race offers a window into how Democrats could approach dismantling Trump's immigration enforcement structure if they win back full control in Washington. The debate highlights the party's divisions on immigration strategy, with some concerned that running on a definitive 'abolish ICE' message is risky politics.

The details

The three candidates, who aren't split by major ideological or policy differences, now offer different approaches to combating Trump's deportation agenda. Stratton calls for 'abolishing ICE,' while Krishnamoorthi promises to 'abolish Trump's ICE.' Kelly says the country cannot simply abolish ICE without a plan to replace its border enforcement function, but she has introduced legislation to impeach the Homeland Security Secretary.

  • The Illinois primary election is on March 17, 2026.
  • Federal agents were sent to Chicago by the Trump administration last fall.
  • Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis in January.

The players

Juliana Stratton

The lieutenant governor of Illinois and a candidate in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative and a candidate in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative and a candidate in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security.

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois and a Democrat who has endorsed Stratton and funded a super PAC for her campaign.

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What they’re saying

“'Do away with ICE' is closer to defunding the police that got Democrats in trouble. So they're all a little uncomfortable with that.”

— William Daley, Former White House Chief of Staff (The New York Times)

“If you're just attacking, attacking, attacking on the debate stage, I think people start to conclude that maybe you don't have specific ideas for helping them with all of their challenges.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Representative (The New York Times)

“I know people say that mess, but he's not that big in my life, quite frankly. This is the rubber match, you know — I've won one, he won one. It should be about her, not about JB, but he's definitely, with all of his money, gotten into the race. I don't even think about it, to be honest with you.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative (The New York Times)

What’s next

The three Democratic candidates are scheduled to participate in three debates next week ahead of the March 17 primary election.

The takeaway

The debate over how to dismantle Trump's immigration enforcement structure has become a central issue in the Illinois Senate race, highlighting the Democratic party's divisions on immigration strategy and the political risks of running on a platform to 'abolish ICE.'