Portrait of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Immigration

Abolish ICE advocate (strong)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's views on immigration are rooted in a call for humanity and dignity within the system, often placing her on the progressive left wing of the Democratic Party. She has advocated for a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented people, including DREAMers, emphasizing the economic and social contributions of immigrants to the United States. Ocasio-Cortez has also taken a leading role in criticizing and advocating for the dismantling of current enforcement agencies, most notably supporting the abolition of ICE.

Context

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's stance on immigration is central to her progressive platform, given her background as a representative for a diverse New York City district. Her position on ICE and the border reflects a broader critique of the federal government's treatment of migrants and the role of enforcement agencies. As a member of Congress, she has leveraged her committee assignments to address issues like border policy and has actively engaged in oversight of federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement.

Timeline

  1. During her primary campaign, Ocasio-Cortez stated she would 'stop short of fully disbanding' ICE but preferred to 'create a pathway to citizenship for more immigrants through decriminalization,' clarifying this does not end all deportations.
  2. Attended a protest at an ICE child-detention center in Tornillo, Texas, shortly before her primary election.
  3. Compared Trump administration detention centers for undocumented immigrants to 'concentration camps,' citing expert analysis.
  4. Expressed support for the Roadmap to Freedom resolution, which aimed to safeguard vulnerable migrants and reduce criminal prosecutions of migrants.
  5. Criticized the Biden administration for reopening a center to house unaccompanied migrant children in Carrizo Springs, Texas.

Actions Taken

  1. Legislation Support
    Expressed support for the Roadmap to Freedom resolution to guide future immigration policy, aiming to safeguard vulnerable migrants and reduce criminal prosecutions.
  2. Oversight Visit
    Visited migrant detention centers in Texas to witness the border crisis firsthand, calling the conditions "horrifying."
  3. Constituent Services
    Offered to intervene for immigrants facing deportation by having constituents sign a DHS privacy release form so her office could assist.

Key Quotes

For too long, undocumented immigrants have been villianized, despite the integral role they play in our communities and our economy. It is beyond time for a path to citizenship for all undocumented people in our country, including DREAMers.

This is not okay, never has been okay, never will be okay - no matter the administration or party.

Social Media February 1, 2021 — Responding to the Biden administration reopening a migrant detention facility for children.

If that makes you uncomfortable, fight the camps, not the nomenclature.

Social Media June 1, 2019 — Defending her use of the term 'concentration camps' for detention facilities.

Related Positions

  • Abolishing ICE Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly expressed support for abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
  • Pathway to Citizenship She supports creating a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants who have led law-abiding lives.
  • Government Benefits for All She supports providing government benefits to anyone in the country with need, regardless of immigration status.

Criticism

Academics/Others

Her use of the term 'concentration camps' to describe Trump administration detention centers for undocumented immigrants drew strong criticism for disrespecting Holocaust victims, though she defended the nomenclature.

Sources5

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.