Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, a senior Democrat representing a South Texas border district, has stated that the "Abolish ICE" movement does not represent the majority of his party. Cuellar, poised to lead the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, indicated that while most Democrats do not support defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, they do seek increased oversight and safeguards for the agency.
Cuellar expressed concerns about the effectiveness of past immigration policies, specifically warning against a return to the Biden administration's border and asylum strategies. "I don't believe in defunding ICE and I think the majority of the Democrats do not believe defunding ICE, but there are serious rail guards we need put on ICE," Cuellar told Fox News Digital. He added, "We just can't open up the border and just say anybody that wants to claim asylum can come to the borders. That policy under Biden administration — I hope that every Democrat running for national office doesn't do that anymore."
The congressman has a history of diverging from his party on immigration enforcement, having previously voted for funding bills that included substantial resources for ICE, while also raising concerns about oversight. He has criticized the agency for targeting individuals without criminal records and has called for more accountability.
The "Abolish ICE" movement gained traction during the Trump administration, fueled by criticism of the agency's enforcement tactics and conditions in detention centers. This has led to state-level restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration officials in several Democratic-led states.
Cuellar also commented on Texas's state-level immigration enforcement, particularly Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star. While acknowledging the need for local law enforcement to report undocumented individuals, Cuellar suggested limitations on their role beyond that. He expressed hope that the newly elected Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa, also from a border district, would foster better collaboration with federal agencies compared to Abbott's approach. "You still got to work with border patrol, regardless if it's a Democrat or Republican at the White House itself," Cuellar stated regarding Abbott's actions.
Cuellar believes there is a need for a balanced and nuanced approach to immigration policy and expressed a willingness to work with federal authorities. "There are Democrats who are willing to work with the administration, with President Trump, but it takes two to have a deal," he said.
In response, CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham affirmed the agency's commitment to border security, stating, "Our mission is simple and non-negotiable: secure the border, protect American lives, and control everything and everyone coming into this country. We are focused on getting the job done and enthusiastically partner with any official dedicated to achieving that goal."