×

Arizona’s division over ICE illustrates political polarization

The polarization of politics has become so bad that some liberal Democrats in Arizona are criticizing one of their party’s candidates for the U.S. Senate for refusing to join calls to eliminate the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

And, some far-left complainers say, U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., is wrong to support increased penalties for illegal immigrants caught repeatedly by ICE.

Yes, Arizona. The state, which has a lengthy border with Mexico, contains an estimated 325,000 illegal immigrants. ICE is particularly important to the state.

But Sinema, in her third House of Representatives term, may be drawing fire from liberals for that very reason. Not just in the Grand Canyon State but in others with large Latino populations, both legal and undocumented, Democrat leaders make it a point to pander for votes by insisting on weak border security policies.

Sinema is hoping for her party’s nomination for a U.S. Senate seat to be on the ballot in November. But some in her own party want her out of Congress, not promoted, because she is too pragmatic for them.

She refuses to support elimination of ICE. In the House, she supported a plan to increase penalties for illegal immigrants deported more than three times – even more for those with criminal records.

Not allowed, say the ultra-leftists. Clearly, Sinema — who is far from a conservative in most ways — wants to approach politics as a way to serve Arizonans the best she can.

Opposition to Sinema from within her own party is a matter for Arizonans to sort out, of course. But it is a clear signal that demonization of those who do not support their party without question has gone too far.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today