Illinois Senate primary tests Democrats' anti-ICE message
By Bridget Bowman
Published on March 16, 2026.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's Senate campaign has been focusing on standing up to President Donald Trump and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Nearly a quarter of all Democratic campaigns across the country in the last month have mentioned ICE, according to AdImpact. The Illinois Senate race could be an early test of how anti-ICE messaging is playing out in Democratic primaries. Krishnamooorthi, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly have different positions on ICE, with Krishnamoororthi advocating for reforms and abolishing "Trump's ICE." While Stratton's first TV ad included expletives aimed at the president, Stratton took a simpler "abolish ICE" line. The focus on ICE comes amid broad pushback on the Trump administration's immigration crackdown following enforcement surges in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis.
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