Story perspectives

Illinois Senate Race: Immigration Reform Sparks Polarization Ahead of Midterms

3/14/2026

Center

Democrats Push Immigration Reform

In Illinois, the Democratic primary for the open U.S. Senate seat centers on immigration reform and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with Raja Krishnamoorthi, Juliana Stratton, and Robin Kelly calling for changes to ICE.
The stance signals a shift after violent incidents tied to immigration enforcement, foreshadowing polarization as midterms approach.
Markwayne Mullin, nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security, backs U.S. President Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies.

Left

Carl Withdraws Nomination

Jeremy Carl withdrew from consideration for assistant secretary of state for international organizations after failing to win Republican support amid backlash over remarks on race and Jewish people.
Senator John Curtis, a moderate Republican, opposed Carl, citing anti-Israel views.
Democrats were united against him, signaling a setback for President Donald Trump in Senate appointments.
The American Jewish World Service praised the withdrawal and condemned the statements as racist and antisemitic.

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Democrats Push Immigration Reform

In Illinois, the Democratic primary for the open U.S. Senate seat centers on immigration reform and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with Raja Krishnamoorthi, Juliana Stratton, and Robin Kelly calling for changes to ICE.
The stance signals a shift after violent incidents tied to immigration enforcement, foreshadowing polarization as midterms approach.
Markwayne Mullin, nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security, backs U.S. President Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies.

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