Minneapolis turmoil has Democrats scrambling to figure out political strategy on immigration

Democrats Struggle to Craft Immigration Response Amid Minnesota Controversy

Democrats’ midterm election strategy has been upended by the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, forcing the party to recalibrate its message on an issue where voters have historically favored Republicans.

The fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by a federal agent during an immigration operation has sparked nationwide outrage and placed Democrats in a difficult position. Administration officials claim Good attempted to hit an agent with her vehicle, but this account has been widely disputed based on circulating video evidence.

The incident has highlighted tensions within the Democratic Party about how to respond effectively. Some progressives are calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reminiscent of the “defund the police” slogan from Trump’s first term, while others advocate for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“We’re Democrats. I’m sure we’re going to have 50 different ideas and 50 different ways to say it,” noted Chuck Rocha, a party strategist advising several congressional candidates on immigration this year.

More moderate voices within the party have focused on introducing legislation to curb alleged abuses by federal agents, although activist groups have criticized these measures as inadequate. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from the party’s base to obstruct funding for deportation operations.

The political stakes could not be higher. Democrats risk undermining their efforts to regain control of Congress if they fail to strike the right balance on immigration messaging. The party is still grappling with voter dissatisfaction over border security during President Biden’s administration, which contributed to Trump’s return to the White House.

Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress and Biden’s former domestic policy adviser, believes Democrats can navigate this challenge. “It’s not too much to ask that we have a government that can produce a secure border, that can deport people who are not legally here, and that can also respect people’s civil and human rights,” she told the Associated Press.

The immigration crackdown in Minnesota has emerged as a particularly contentious flashpoint. Representative Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said: “I think the party is very unified in our disdain and concern of the actions certainly of DHS and ICE. We should campaign on fairness and due process for all people, which is being violated every single day by ICE and DHS.”

However, polling suggests Democrats face an uphill battle on immigration and related issues. A September Washington Post/Ipsos poll found approximately 40% of Americans trusted Republicans more on immigration, compared to 30% for Democrats. The gap was even wider on crime, with 44% favoring Republicans versus 22% for Democrats.

Republicans appear confident that their messaging linking immigration and crime will resonate with voters in the midterms. “If Democrats want to make 2026 a referendum on which party stands for strong immigration policies and protecting public safety, we will take that fight any day of the week,” said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.

Some Democrats see the controversy as an opportunity to redirect attention to healthcare and affordability issues, where the party has traditionally polled better. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has attempted to connect these issues, arguing that “the cuts to your health care are what’s paying for ICE to be doing this.”

President Trump’s own position on immigration may be weakening. AP-NORC polling shows his approval rating on immigration has fallen from 49% in March to 38% in January. Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens, suggested the aggressive enforcement tactics are creating political problems for Republicans.

“Republican members of Congress are really uncomfortable with these agencies and their existing tactics, because they know it’s going to hurt them back at home come election cycle,” Proaño said.

Even some prominent Trump supporters have expressed concerns about the administration’s approach. Podcast host Joe Rogan recently questioned, “Are we really going to be the Gestapo?”

Despite these criticisms, the Trump administration has intensified enforcement operations in Minnesota and the Justice Department has issued subpoenas to Democratic state officials, including Governor Tim Walz, as part of an investigation into whether they obstructed federal immigration operations.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, formerly the party leader in Minnesota, expressed dismay at the situation: “There’s a lot of pain and anguish. It’s heartbreaking. It’s chilling to think that this is the United States of America, what is supposed to be a beacon for democracy and freedom.”