During a campaign rally for U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico in Lubbock, Texas, Democratic Texas House candidate Malik Williams called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the legalization and taxation of cannabis. “We can legalize and tax THC and cannabis. We’re gonna abolish ICE, we’re gonna tax the rich and we’re going to get my friend, the next United States Senator from the state of Texas, James Talarico, elected!” Williams said to a cheering crowd.
Senate hopeful James Talarico, a Democrat running in a traditionally Republican state, pushed back on the ICE‑abolition message. In a recent joint CNN and Jubilee town‑hall, Talarico was asked directly whether he supported ending the agency. He responded, “No, and I never have. We need Immigration and Customs Enforcement in this country, but that’s not what we’re seeing. What we’ve seen over the last year is a secret police force, and that’s not what we want in this country.”
Past remarks and current polling
Talarico’s earlier comments in a January primary debate with Rep. Jasmine Crockett suggested a more aggressive stance, describing ICE as a “secret police force” and saying it was time to “tear down” the agency. The shift underscores the tension within the Democratic field over immigration enforcement.
A July YouGov/The Economist poll found that 48% of Americans overall support abolishing ICE, while 67% of Republicans strongly oppose the idea. A February poll from The Texas Politics Project showed a mixed view among Texas voters: 42% view ICE favorably or somewhat favorably, and 47% view it unfavorably or very unfavorably.
Other campaign themes
Williams also criticized President Donald Trump and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, labeling them “fascist, racist, rapist, war criminal” and urging better representation for Texas ranchers and farmers. He advocated for increased public‑education funding, guaranteed childcare, and expanded healthcare—positions aligned with progressive Democratic platforms.
The campaigns of Talarico, Williams, and Paxton did not respond to requests for comment.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
