U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks to the media, flanked by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), after the U.S. Senate voted to end a partial government shutdown that has snarled airports across the country, though it did not resolve a dispute over immigration enforcement that prompted the six-week standoff in the first place, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 27, 2026. REUTERS/Leah Millis
(Washington, DC) – Republicans in the U.S. Senate are escalating their criticism of Democratic immigration policies, accusing them of pushing to dismantle enforcement efforts and prioritize undocumented immigrants over American citizens.
In a statement posted to social media, Senate Republicans claimed Democrats “want to abolish ICE and stop enforcing immigration laws altogether,” adding that they “care more about protecting illegal aliens than Americans.”
Democrats want to abolish ICE and stop enforcing immigration laws altogether.
They care more about protecting illegal aliens than Americans.
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) April 6, 2026
The remarks come as immigration continues to be a central political issue nationwide, particularly in debates over border security, deportation policies, and the role of federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Democrats have largely pushed back on such characterizations, arguing their policies are focused on reforming the immigration system, prioritizing humanitarian concerns, and improving pathways to legal status—rather than eliminating enforcement entirely.
The exchange highlights the deep partisan divide in Washington over immigration, with both sides sharpening their messaging as policy battles continue on Capitol Hill.
