The House on Wednesday passed a nonbinding resolution expressing support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while attacking a push from some liberal Democrats to dismantle the agency altogether.
The measure was approved in a 244-35 vote that fell largely along party lines. Only eighteen Democrats voted to back ICE and 34 opposed the resolution. The only Republican to vote against the resolution was Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.).
“The two biggest opponents of ICE in America today are the Democratic Party and MS-13!” Trump tweeted after the vote.
Democratic leaders had reportedly urged their members to vote “present.” The strategy was aimed at protecting vulnerable Democrats from a contentious vote.
“I’m voting ‘present’ on this resolution because it’s a sham and a distraction,” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), the minority whip, said just before the vote. “It’s an outrageous attempt to hide the continued suffering of children behind the partisans’ attack on Democrats.”
“This is a very sad day,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.), pivoting to the recent controversy surrounding the separation of families at the southern border.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, ( R-Va.) released a statement after the resolution had passed stating calls to abolish the agency are “offensive” to ICE officers:
“Calls to abolish ICE are irresponsible, are opposed by the American people, and are offensive to the thousands of men and women who enforce our nation’s immigration laws to keep us safe and protect the homeland,” said Goodlatte.
