US House Republicans Try to Make ICE a Referendum Issue

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) made the following statement following the House vote on H.Res. 990, Supporting the officers and personnel who carry out the important mission of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. While Republicans overwhelmingly showed their support for the rule of law and the men and women who risk their lives to enforce it, Democrats have introduced legislation to abolish the organization and withheld their support today.

“I strongly support ICE, including the brave men and women who risk their lives to keep America safe. Today’s vote to support our Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents should send a strong message that a majority of Congress stands behind these brave men and women. The fact that House Democrats refused to stand up for American national security over open borders is concerning and irresponsible. Now, all radical Democrats in Washington need to go on record and tell voters if they will still attempt to abolish ICE if they take the majority in Congress.

“Our nation was founded on the rule of law, and to call for the abolishment of such a vital law enforcement agency is a radical and dangerous idea. Our country is facing serious challenges like the alarming rise of gangs, terrorists, and the increased prevalence of illegal drugs pouring over the border into our neighborhoods. ICE agents play a critical role in apprehending these violent criminals and removing illegal drugs before they reach our communities, and ICE agents are actively involved in rescuing children from the human trafficking that is also a major threat that we need to keep confronting. That is why I support ICE and we should all stand behind them in their dangerous and critical work. I thank my colleague Clay Higgins for introducing this important resolution.”

Before the vote, Whip Scalise spoke on the House floor to emphasize his support for ICE and its agents.

The vast majority of Americans equate the end of ICE as leading to the end of borders.  However, the media has done very little about this story.  Only time will tell if this will become a referendum issue in the 2018 midterm elections.

The vast majority of those with a problem with ICE simply voted “present.”  35 members actually had the courage (like them or not) to vote. One of those is the very libertarian leaning Republican, Amash (R-MI).

—- YEAS    244 —