Democrats sure are planting their flag in their bizarre “Abolish ICE” campaign, and that’s probably not going to play well politically for them.
As refreshing as it is to see Leftists calling for the abolition of a government agency, ICE is hardly your typical useless government agency. The Constitution is clear that national security is the primary function of our government, and those involved in securing the border and enforcing immigration laws are doing just that.
The majority of Americans haven’t even heard of Democrats’ calls to “abolish ICE,” and for Dems, that’s probably a good thing. Of those aware of the campaign, just 21 percent of respondents said they support abolishing ICE, while 44 percent said they oppose it. Regardless, new Democrat darling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigned on abolishing ICE, while Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, California Sen. Kamala Harris, and New York Sen. Kristen Gillibrand have all come out swinging against the agency. (RELATED: Gillibrand Becomes The First Senator To Call For Abolishing ICE).
According to the Daily Wire, “An ‘Abolish ICE’ protest in Columbus, Ohio on Monday went completely off the rails when activists decided to make an important statement about dismantling immigration enforcement and opening up the borders by . . . suspending a woman from a giant wooden contraption, duct-taping a dude to the base, and then chanting ‘F*** the Police!’ for the news cameras. The Columbus Dispatch’s Abbey Marshall was on the scene at the ill-conceived protest to provide some live updates, photos, and videos for posterity.”
You can view some of their photos of the protest below:
I’m on Front St. at a rally to abolish ICE. A woman is harnessed in a 32-foot-tall tripod with a person duct taped to the base. They say she’s not coming down until action is taken. At least 14 cop cars and fire are present. @DispatchAlerts pic.twitter.com/BfZ4Y7j9ry
— Abbey Marshall (@AbbeyMarshall) July 9, 2018
The woman has been released from her harness and brought down by Columbus Fire. A man is still duct taped by his hands at the base of the tripod. At least two people have been arrested so far. @DispatchAlerts pic.twitter.com/Z1FaWuuqpW
— Abbey Marshall (@AbbeyMarshall) July 9, 2018
More people are being arrested. The man taped to the base of the tripod has been removed and is being carried away by his arms and feet by three officers. @DispatchAlerts pic.twitter.com/eCpTI3Vbzv
— Abbey Marshall (@AbbeyMarshall) July 9, 2018
Police have deconstructed the tripod and are trying to find a safe way to bring the logs down. There are no more activists in the streets, as police have put up tape to contain protesters to sidewalks. pic.twitter.com/B3KvUQa9gF
— Abbey Marshall (@AbbeyMarshall) July 9, 2018
They are now using chainsaw to break down the logs. Protesters are chanting, “We’re still fighting, take the wood.” pic.twitter.com/3ndcrzhQp2
— Abbey Marshall (@AbbeyMarshall) July 9, 2018
Protesters have moved in front of LeVeque Tower at the Broad St. entrance. I’m told by organizers that several protesters are in the ICE office, but that floor is currently locked. @DispatchAlerts pic.twitter.com/y6tb9Y0ahZ
— Abbey Marshall (@AbbeyMarshall) July 9, 2018
Protesters moved to the intersection of High and Broad in front of the Statehouse. Crowd is smaller now. pic.twitter.com/KVfNKVLT9V
— Abbey Marshall (@AbbeyMarshall) July 9, 2018
The reporter quoted above, Abbey Marshall, said that police informed her 12 anti-ICE protesters were arrested for a portfolio of offenses, including disorderly conduct, trespassing, and resisting arrest. Their protest tactics were typical of the Left – mainly chanting mindless slogans in unison, and blocking off roads. (RELATED: Federal Officers In Riot Gear Descend On ICE Facility In Portland, Kick Out Protesters).
Last year, ICE made nearly 5,000 gang arrests, including nearly 800 members of the vicious MS-13, taking them off the streets. There were also 518 human trafficking victims saved by the agency, and 904 children rescued from exploitation.
And that’s what these people are campaigning against?
Last week, as anti-ICE sentiments continue to grow, Mike Pence made it clear that under Trump’s watch the inmates won’t be allowed to run the asylum. “Today I want to make it clear to all of you and all of those looking on: under President Donald Trump, we will never abolish ICE.” And no amount of mindless Leftist slogans will change that.
The more Democrats support the “abolish ICE” movement, the more they alienate themselves from the average American, further hurting their electoral chances during the 2018 midterms, and that’s a good thing.