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Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib wore an explicit anti-ICE button to Tuesday’s State of the Union address, drawing attention amid heightened tensions over immigration policy in the United States. The Michigan congresswoman’s button, which read “F— ICE,” referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement within the country.
Tlaib also wore a second button with the message “STAND WITH SURVIVORS RELEASE THE FILES,” apparently referring to materials related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who died in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Several other lawmakers were observed wearing similar buttons during President Donald Trump’s address.
During the speech, Tlaib was seated beside fellow “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). Multiple reports indicated that both representatives shouted during the President’s address and left the chamber before the speech concluded. The confrontational display underscored the deep political divisions that have characterized Trump’s administration, particularly on immigration issues.
The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a cornerstone of its policy agenda, implementing stricter border controls and expanding ICE operations. This approach has been met with fierce resistance from progressive lawmakers like Tlaib, who has repeatedly called for the abolition of the agency.
“ICE has no place in Michigan. This is an unaccountable and violent agency that terrorizes and brutalizes our communities every day,” Tlaib said in a statement earlier this month, reflecting her long-standing opposition to the agency.
In the same statement, Tlaib escalated her criticism, claiming, “We have all watched as ICE agents execute American citizens in broad daylight and detain and deport our immigrant neighbors with no regard for their wellbeing, right to due process, or the myriad other laws and court orders restricting their illegal operations.”
The contentious display comes amid ongoing national debate over immigration policy. The Trump administration has defended ICE as a critical component of national security and immigration enforcement, while critics argue the agency has engaged in overly aggressive tactics and human rights violations.
Immigration has emerged as one of the most polarizing issues in American politics, with Republicans generally supporting stricter enforcement measures and Democrats increasingly calling for reforms to protect immigrant communities and provide pathways to citizenship for undocumented residents.
The “Squad,” an informal group of progressive Democratic representatives that includes Tlaib, Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and others, has been particularly vocal in opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. Their activism has made them frequent targets of criticism from conservatives while cementing their status as standard-bearers for progressive values within the Democratic Party.
The second button worn by Tlaib and other lawmakers reflects ongoing calls for transparency regarding associates of Jeffrey Epstein. Despite Epstein’s death, advocates have continued to press for the release of documents that might reveal the extent of his alleged criminal activities and identify others who may have been involved.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the incident. However, the display is likely to further inflame partisan tensions at a time when congressional cooperation on immigration reform appears increasingly remote.
The confrontational approach taken by some Democratic lawmakers during the State of the Union stands in contrast to the traditionally more formal atmosphere of the annual address, though political statements during the speech have become more common in recent years, with various forms of protest or endorsement manifesting through attire, gestures, or verbal responses.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment Wednesday morning, but no response was available at the time of reporting.
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8 Comments
Quite an attention-grabbing move by Rep. Tlaib wearing that explicit pin during the President’s address. Her message is clear, but I wonder if it helps or hinders constructive dialogue on this divisive issue.
It’s concerning to see such overt political messaging and disruptive behavior during a formal event like the State of the Union. I wish our representatives would set a better example of respectful civic discourse.
Absolutely. Political disagreements are fine, but they should be aired constructively, not through grandstanding or disruptive antics. Civility and decorum are important, especially in the halls of government.
The deep political divisions around immigration policy are regrettable. While I respect Rep. Tlaib’s right to free speech, I’m not sure that shock tactics like this will help bridge those divides.
I agree, these kinds of inflammatory gestures often just entrench positions rather than fostering productive dialogue. Civility and good-faith debate should be the goals.
While I respect Rep. Tlaib’s right to free expression, I question the wisdom and appropriateness of wearing such an explicit and confrontational pin during the State of the Union. This seems more like political theater than serious policymaking.
Wearing such a provocative pin on the House floor during the State of the Union seems like a very partisan and confrontational gesture. I hope lawmakers can find a way to debate immigration policy more civilly.
The political divides around immigration policy run deep, and it’s disappointing to see that reflected in such a blatant and disruptive way during the State of the Union. I hope our representatives can find a way to engage on these issues more constructively.