Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has reiterated his long-standing call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that the agency has little connection to actual immigration enforcement or border security.
In recent campaign appearances and a July 8, 2026, Democratic primary debate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, El-Sayed argued: “ICE is not about immigration, ICE is not about the southern border… ICE is about normalizing paramilitary force on our streets. I’ve been clear that you can’t reform ICE, you can’t retrain ICE. You have to abolish ICE.”
El-Sayed’s Background and Campaign
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan-born progressive Democrat, physician, and public health expert, is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters. He previously led the Detroit Health Department and Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services, where he focused on rebuilding public health infrastructure.
A Rhodes Scholar with an MD from Columbia University, El-Sayed has positioned himself as a bold progressive voice on issues including healthcare, labor rights, and immigration reform. He faces U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow in the August 4, 2026, Democratic primary.
Long-Standing Call to Abolish ICE
El-Sayed has advocated abolishing ICE since his 2018 run for Michigan governor. His campaign argues the agency is irredeemable due to what it describes as a pattern of overreach, lack of oversight, and incidents involving the deaths of American citizens during operations.
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In campaign materials and public statements, El-Sayed has said ICE operates as a paramilitary force that weaponizes immigration as a pretext, rather than focusing on legitimate border security or customs enforcement. He has referenced observations from ICE actions in Minneapolis, calling the operations a “siege” on communities.
The candidate stresses that abolishing ICE would not eliminate immigration enforcement. He supports securing the border and comprehensive reform, including investments in court systems for pathways to citizenship for long-term, contributing residents.
A recent campaign ad titled “Abolish ICE” draws a direct contrast with opponents, highlighting El-Sayed as the only candidate in the race backing full abolition while criticizing others for supporting increased funding or expressions of support for the agency.
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Reactions Within the Democratic Primary
The position has sharpened differences in the competitive Michigan Democratic Senate primary. Rep. Haley Stevens and Sen. Mallory McMorrow have called for reforms and stronger oversight of ICE rather than its elimination. El-Sayed’s stance has drawn both support from progressive voters and criticism from those concerned about weakening immigration enforcement.
Broader Context
The debate over ICE reflects ongoing national divisions on immigration policy. Created after 9/11, the agency has faced scrutiny from progressives over enforcement tactics, while many voters prioritize stronger border security amid record encounters in recent years.
El-Sayed’s campaign frames the issue as part of a larger fight for constitutional protections, humane policy, and redirecting resources toward community needs rather than militarized enforcement.
As the primary approaches, immigration remains a key issue in Michigan politics, with the winner likely facing Republican Mike Rogers in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.
For more on the candidates’ full platforms, visit their official campaign websites. The Michigan Democratic primary takes place on August 4, 2026.
