Calls for Immigration Reform Grow as ICE Misconduct Sparks Outrage

Experts say Democrats must articulate clear policies to counter GOP attacks on 'open borders'

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:51am

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A cinematic painting depicting a lone immigration officer standing in the doorway of a government building, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the need for a more thoughtful, compassionate approach to immigration policy.As public trust in immigration enforcement erodes, calls grow for a new, more humane approach to managing the complex challenges of residency and border control.Minneapolis Today

As public approval of the Trump administration's immigration policies has declined, experts argue that Democrats need to move beyond simply criticizing ICE misconduct and instead put forth their own comprehensive vision for immigration reform. Columnist Herbert Rothschild lays out a series of propositions he believes should guide the development of such policies, touching on issues of border control, legal status for undocumented immigrants, and the role of geopolitical biases in granting temporary protected status.

Why it matters

The immigration issue has proven to be a political minefield for Democrats, with the GOP successfully portraying them as favoring 'open borders' - a position that polls show most Americans oppose. As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats will need to craft a clear, compelling alternative to the Republican stance in order to regain the upper hand on this key issue.

The details

Rothschild argues that simply criticizing ICE misconduct is not enough for Democrats, who need to articulate a comprehensive set of immigration policies. He lays out a series of propositions he believes should guide this process, including the need to control entry into the U.S., base policies on U.S. law and international treaties, and avoid racial, ethnic or geopolitical biases. Rothschild suggests that granting blanket Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to immigrants from certain countries, while denying it to others, reflects a geopolitical bias that should be reconsidered.

  • A year ago, 53% of U.S. adults approved of Trump's handling of immigration, while 42% disapproved.
  • Now, those numbers have flipped, with 42% approving and 54% disapproving of Trump's immigration policies.

The players

Herbert Rothschild

A columnist who has challenged Democrats to develop a clear position on immigration policy.

Peter Sage

Rothschild's friend who writes a daily blog on Substack and provides insights on candidate messaging and the public mood.

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What they’re saying

“Until we can cite an alternative, Trump and those Republicans who run to succeed him will get away with the accusation that Democrats favor open borders. And that accusation cannot be countered effectively just by criticizing ICE misconduct.”

— Herbert Rothschild, Columnist

“I would like to think that many Americans have changed their minds about Trump's refusal to honor our legal obligation to grant temporary residence to asylum seekers until their claims can be adjudicated in court and his intention to deport millions of our undocumented residents.”

— Herbert Rothschild, Columnist

What’s next

Rothschild has challenged his friend Peter Sage, who writes about candidate messaging and the public mood, to provide advice on what a Democratic presidential candidate should say about immigration policy. Rothschild plans to meet with Sage in person to further discuss this complex issue.

The takeaway

As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats will need to develop a clear, compelling alternative to the Republican stance on immigration in order to regain the upper hand on this politically charged issue. Simply criticizing ICE misconduct is not enough - the party must articulate a comprehensive set of policies that address the needs of the U.S., the legal claims of those seeking residency, and the principles of fair and non-discriminatory treatment.