Moulton Vows to Abolish ICE, Protect Fishermen, and Restore Offshore Wind Funding

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, candidate for the U.S. Senate, says ICE must go, fishermen must be protected, and offshore wind funding needs to be restored.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton is challenging incumbent Sen. Ed Markey in the Democratic primary, with a focus on abolishing ICE, protecting the fishing industry, and restoring offshore wind funding in Massachusetts. Moulton has visited an ICE facility in his district and witnessed what he calls "civil rights abuses," leading him to call for the agency's abolition. He also wants to hold ICE agents accountable and create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. On fishing issues, Moulton aims to find a balance between preserving fish stocks and supporting the fishing industry. And he pledges to fight to bring back offshore wind funding that the Trump administration cut.

Why it matters

Moulton's positions on ICE, fishing, and offshore wind reflect key concerns in Massachusetts, especially in coastal communities like New Bedford. The aggressive federal deportation campaign has had a major impact on immigrant communities, while the fishing industry and offshore wind development are critical economic issues. Moulton's willingness to take on the establishment by challenging a long-serving senator also signals a shift in the Democratic party.

The details

Moulton has visited an ICE facility in his district twice and witnessed what he calls "civil rights abuses," including detainees being confined to windowless rooms for 24 hours a day with limited food and water. This has led him to call for the abolition of ICE and to introduce legislation to enable people to sue federal immigration authorities. On fishing, Moulton wants to find a balance between preserving fish stocks and supporting the industry, calling for agreement on the science around fish populations. And he pledges to fight to restore offshore wind funding that the Trump administration cut, while also listening to the fishing industry's concerns about the impact on their livelihoods.

  • In June 2025, Moulton visited the ICE facility in Burlington after agents detained a Medford High School senior.
  • In December 2025, Moulton visited the ICE facility again under new regulations requiring 72 hours' notice for congressional oversight visits.

The players

Seth Moulton

A six-term U.S. Congressman representing Massachusetts' 6th district, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Ed Markey in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate.

Ed Markey

The incumbent two-term U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, who is the favorite of progressives and is being challenged by Moulton in the Democratic primary.

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts, who has announced an executive order to restrict the federal use of state resources for ICE operations and strengthen protections for people in sensitive locations.

Michelle Wu

The Mayor of Boston, who has issued a municipal executive order restricting access to municipal property and resources for immigration enforcement and promising to investigate federal misconduct.

Marcelo Gomes DaSilva

A Medford High School senior who was detained by ICE agents, and whom Moulton plans to bring as his guest to the State of the Union address.

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What they’re saying

“We need to stop what's going on. And that's why I have been unafraid to take on the administration directly.”

— Seth Moulton, U.S. Congressman (newbedfordlight.org)

“The practices that we've witnessed here in Burlington do not meet the standards that we would like to see. But they are far better than what we have seen in other facilities in other places that we have seen.”

— Seth Moulton, U.S. Congressman (newbedfordlight.org)

“What [chiefs] think is so important is that they can actually maintain law and order in their community by having people feel comfortable reporting crimes and helping with investigations.”

— Seth Moulton, U.S. Congressman (newbedfordlight.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Moulton's positions on ICE, fishing, and offshore wind reflect key concerns in Massachusetts, and his willingness to challenge a long-serving senator signals a shift in the Democratic party. His focus on accountability, creating a pathway to citizenship, and balancing environmental and economic interests could resonate with voters seeking a new approach.