Immigration could cost Republicans the midterms — here’s what they should do

A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll indicates that Republicans could benefit in this year’s midterm elections from the Trump administration’s “rule of law” immigration stance. However, many people disapprove of the aggressive enforcement methods being used by Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to implement those policies. This is directed primarily at the use of force.   

This is a problem for the Republican Party, already facing strong challenges from Democrats, who have been overperforming since President Trump began his second term. The president’s party historically has lost ground in midterm elections, in 20 out of 22 elections since 1938; nationwide, Democrats have flipped 30 legislative seats since last year.

This doesn’t mean that the administration should change its policies — it means that it should dial down its tactics. It also would help to show that they are just enforcing the law, and that they are not the xenophobic, anti-immigrant racists that the Democrats say they are.   

The following suggestions would help to achieve these objectives. 

Establish a program for accepting and evaluating complaints of excessive violence

YouGov polling indicates that 90 percent of Democrats, 60 percent of independents and 30 percent of Republicans think that ICE sometimes or often uses unnecessary force. And people who think they have been the victim of excessive violence have little recourse other than going to court. The administration can mitigate this problem by establishing a forum for considering such complaints and holding ICE officers accountable if do use excessive force. 

Don’t rush to judgement

Former Homeland........

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