On October 28, members of the National Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Council endorsed President Trump for re-election. The council is ICE’s largest union and represents 7,600 officers, agents, and employees who work for ICE throughout the United States. The council previously endorsed Trump in 2016, which was the first time they ever endorsed a candidate for president.
In his endorsement letter, council President Chris Crane cites actions that President Trump took in his first four years to restore sensible immigration enforcement to the United States. He cites specifically the construction of 400 miles of new border wall as well as his pro-law enforcement stance and opposition to defund the police and abolish ICE movements. Writing on the latter, the council stated that “You have also been a staunch defender and ardent supporter of the brave law enforcement officers who work each and every day to keep our neighborhoods safe. You are the only candidate on the ballot who has stood firm and diligently supported law enforcement and the rule of law.”
The union also touches on President Trump’s opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden. The union categorizes Biden as an immigration radical whose policies would threaten their members. In their statement, the union charges that “Joe Biden will take us back to a place where there is virtually no real immigration enforcement or policing of visa overstays. There will no longer be national security in America as it relates to the integrity of our immigration system.” The union also accuses Biden of resurrecting former President Barack Obama’s policies, which they claim resulted “in the daily loss of life and victimization of many.”
The National ICE Council has remained politically active since the election of President Trump in 2016. In late February, the group endorsed Jeff Sessions in the Alabama U.S. Senate primary contest against fellow GOP challenger Tommy Tuberville. The union also supported President Trump’s decision to withdraw Ronald Vitiello’s nomination to the role of ICE director. Crane ends the union’s second endorsement of Donald Trump by noting that “we need four more years of President Donald J. Trump to continue building a stronger, greater, and safer America, and we are truly proud to once again endorse you for reelection.”
