Abolish ICE Should Not Be Democrat's Midterm Message, Says Jim Messina - Balance of Power

[SouthBayDem]

Feb 3, 2026 Latest Videos from Bloomberg Radio
Jim Messina, Democratic strategist and campaign manager for Obama's 2012 reelection campaign said that his party should not lean into the mantra of 'abolish ICE' in the 2026 midterm elections and should instead promote 'common sense reform' that is backed by the American people who don't like what they see from ICE agents in Minneapolis. Messina said that Democrats have to focus on affordability and take advantage of President Trump's falling poll numbers on the economy to succeed in the midterms.

Messina is clearly out of touch with today's politics. ICE was not accused of widespread abuses of power back in 2012. And what is NOT disclosed in this segment is that Messina has been advising the UK Conservative Party and other European conservatives since leaving Obama's inner circle.

[Lovie777]

1. It's not.............

it's the economy, stupid.

[Phoenix61]

2. Politicos have changed.. A LOT since Obama.

There are two groups now, pro-fascists and ANTIFA. Reform ICE won’t get us any pro-fascist votes but it will definitely lose us ANTIFA votes especially the 18-25 year olds. Focus on the economy and push wide spread immigration reform to include abolishing ICE.

[stopdiggin]

3. well the "Defund the police!" sure as F didn't win any elections ...

And anybody with half an ounce .... refused to go anywhere near it.

(leaving aside whether I think Messina is a good guy .. or bad guy ... )

[cachukis]

4. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not

going away, regardless.
It can and must be reformed.
Absolutes are few and far between.
Protocols must be established for our protection, yes, but filling quotas is inane.
American business needs immigration. American business causes unrest in the countries of immigrants. Shutting the door is a fools errand.
Sensible reform is essential.