2nd District Democratic Candidates Debate Immigration Reform

Candidates propose abolishing ICE and creating a faster path to citizenship

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:04pm

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Immigration was a central issue in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District, with 10 candidates debating the topic at a recent forum. Several candidates, including Ashley Banks, Eric France, and Robert Peters, called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to its aggressive enforcement tactics that have "terrorized" immigrant communities. Other candidates, like Adal Regis, advocated for policies like the DREAM Act to provide a path to citizenship, while also supporting stronger border enforcement for national security reasons. The candidates discussed ways to reform the immigration system, including making the citizenship process faster and less costly, as well as investing in stabilizing the home countries of many immigrants.

Why it matters

Immigration is a hot-button issue that has significant implications for communities across the country, including the 2nd Congressional District. The candidates' proposals to reform the immigration system, such as abolishing ICE and creating a faster path to citizenship, reflect the growing desire among many Americans to take a more humane and compassionate approach to immigration policy.

The details

At a recent forum, several 2nd District Democratic candidates expressed support for abolishing ICE due to its aggressive enforcement tactics that have "terrorized" immigrant communities. Candidate Ashley Banks questioned why taxpayer money is being used to "terrorize" communities, while Eric France said the entire immigration system needs to be rebuilt with a "speedy path" to citizenship. Candidate Robert Peters, currently a state senator, said his office has seen the "attacks on our community" and the fear generated by ICE operations. Other candidates, like Adal Regis, advocated for policies like the DREAM Act to provide a path to citizenship for those brought to the U.S. as children, while also supporting stronger border enforcement for national security reasons. The candidates also discussed ways to reform the immigration system, including ending tax breaks for billionaires to fund a more humane system, and stabilizing the home countries of many immigrants to reduce the need for them to flee.

  • The Democratic primary election for the 2nd Congressional District will be held on March 17, 2026.
  • A candidate forum where immigration was discussed was held on March 7, 2026.
  • A previous candidate forum on immigration issues was held on February 21, 2026.

The players

Ashley Banks

One of the 10 Democratic candidates running in the 2nd Congressional District primary, who called for abolishing ICE due to its aggressive enforcement tactics.

Eric France

One of the 10 Democratic candidates running in the 2nd Congressional District primary, who said the entire immigration system needs to be rebuilt with a "speedy path" to citizenship.

Robert Peters

One of the 10 Democratic candidates running in the 2nd Congressional District primary, who is currently a state senator and said his office has seen the "attacks on our community" and the fear generated by ICE operations.

Adal Regis

One of the 10 Democratic candidates running in the 2nd Congressional District primary, who advocated for policies like the DREAM Act to provide a path to citizenship for those brought to the U.S. as children, while also supporting stronger border enforcement for national security reasons.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

A former 2nd District Representative who indicated that reforming the Constitution, including strengthening the 14th Amendment, could be part of the solution to immigration issues.

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What they’re saying

“Why are we paying taxes to be terrorized in our communities?”

— Ashley Banks, Candidate (hfchronicle.com)

“It should not take anyone a 25-year path to citizenship and tons of fees that it costs. It needs to be a speedy path.”

— Eric France, Candidate (hfchronicle.com)

“We're the richest, most powerful country on the history of the planet. Instead of having communities that have been disinvested in, we need to put investment in them. And we can't be draining resources out of places like Venezuela.”

— Robert Peters, Candidate (hfchronicle.com)

“The irony of it is my parents left Haiti to come here, fleeing an authoritarian government, but then their kids, their grandkids, have to face the same reality right now.”

— Adal Regis, Candidate (hfchronicle.com)

“We need more specific citizenship rights added to the Constitution. I've got to be able to go to the Constitution and get a clean, safe and sustainable environment and not more ICE policing. I would hold ICE agents accountable … and I would do it on day one.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr. (hfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election for the 2nd Congressional District will be held on March 17, 2026, where voters will choose the party's nominee to advance to the general election.

The takeaway

The 2nd District Democratic candidates' proposals to reform the immigration system, such as abolishing ICE and creating a faster path to citizenship, reflect the growing desire among many Americans to take a more humane and compassionate approach to immigration policy. The candidates' diverse perspectives on this complex issue highlight the need for a comprehensive and balanced solution that addresses both border security and the needs of immigrant communities.