On Tuesday, President Donald Trump mocked the Democratic Party for the demands by some of its members for the shutdown of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He claimed that the stance will only help the Republican Party during the midterm Congressional elections, which are set to take place in November.
Trump made the comments during a speech in Kansas City to war veterans, where he also defended Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a division of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants. Several Democrats have claimed that the agency has overstepped its authority lately and should be abolished, with a new Pew Research Center poll claiming that 47% of Americans have an unfavorable view of it, compared to 44% in support.
The President is attempting to ensure that the Republican Party retains control over both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the elections on 6 November. In some quarters, this is seen as a referendum on the success of his presidency so far.
The zero-tolerance policy adopted by his administration, which resulted in the separation of immigrant children from their parents, sparked a fierce nationwide debate, prompting its abandonment. In the speech, Trump praised ICE and said that the issue would help his party’s chances in November. He added that he hoped the Democratic Party continue the call to abolish the agency as it would ensure success in November and the 2020 Presidential election.