Poll memo urges Dems to use leverage on ICE ahead of shutdown

A memo from the Searchlight Institute, circulated among Senate Democrats, argues they should use their leverage to push broad, bipartisan-friendly reforms to ICE as DHS funding talks loom toward a possible partial government shutdown. The January poll cited in the memo finds 58% of likely midterm voters want ICE reined in and favor reforms over abolition, with voters calling for lawful, targeted enforcement and opposing actions like detaining citizens, entering homes without warrants, or lacking clear uniforms. Written by Adam Jentleson, the memo urges Democrats to secure reforms with broad public backing rather than abolishing the agency, as they navigate funding negotiations and political pressure from both parties.