Jim Messina has penned a new op-ed in The Messina Memo that Democrats should read carefully—especially with the first primaries less than two weeks away. There’s no question whether voters are, and should be, disturbed by what they’re seeing on immigration enforcement. Accountability matters. The rule of law matters. But we’ve been here before.
In 2018, calls to “Abolish ICE” gave Republicans a political weapon they used for years—painting Democrats as weak on border security and unconcerned with public safety. It didn’t matter who actually said it or if it was true. The slogan stuck.
Messina’s argument is straightforward: Democrats have an opening right now. Voters want strong borders, smart enforcement, and accountability for abuses. What they don’t want is lawlessness—or messaging that sounds like it.
If Democrats want to win in 2026, they need to meet both the moment and voters. Give it a read, and let us know what you think.
Photo Credit: “Abolish ICE Protest Sign in Minneapolis” by Chad Davis, CC BY 4.0