Full Breakdown
Illinois Senate Primary: A Test of Anti-ICE Messaging and Democratic Unity
3/17/2026, 12:05:05 PM
Core Event: Candidates Clash Over Immigration Policies
The Illinois Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, set for March 17, 2026, has emerged as a pivotal battleground over immigration policies, particularly regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With the retirement of long-serving Senator Dick Durbin, three main candidates—U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—are vying for the nomination, each presenting distinct approaches to the contentious issue of immigration enforcement.
Candidates' Positions on ICE
Raja Krishnamoorthi advocates for reforming ICE, emphasizing the need to "abolish Trump's ICE" while proposing measures such as requiring agents to wear identification and banning warrantless arrests. He frames his campaign through a personal lens, highlighting his immigrant background and the fear that ICE instills in communities. "When ICE terrorizes a community... I say, ‘There but for the grace of God, go I,’" he stated, underscoring the emotional weight of the issue.
Juliana Stratton, on the other hand, takes a more radical stance, calling for the outright abolition of ICE. She argues that the agency cannot be reformed and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to immigration that invests in community resources rather than enforcement. "I want ICE and CBP out of our American cities," she declared, positioning herself as a champion for immigrant rights.
Robin Kelly's approach is slightly different; she advocates for dismantling ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, asserting that the current structure is too unwieldy and unaccountable. Kelly has also highlighted the traumatic impact of recent ICE operations, such as Operation Midway Blitz, which resulted in numerous arrests and fatalities.
The Political Landscape and Funding Dynamics
The primary race has seen significant financial backing, particularly for Krishnamoorthi, who has raised over $30 million, dwarfing his opponents' funds. Stratton has received substantial support from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has contributed $5 million to her campaign through a super PAC. This financial disparity has led to intense advertising battles, with anti-ICE messaging dominating the airwaves. Two-thirds of the TV ads in the final month of the race have referenced ICE, reflecting a broader Democratic strategy to galvanize support against Trump-era immigration policies.
However, the candidates have also faced scrutiny over their funding sources. Stratton has been criticized for accepting donations from a group linked to CoreCivic, a private prison firm, while Krishnamoorthi has faced attacks for receiving funds from Palantir, a contractor for ICE. Both candidates have attempted to navigate these controversies, with Krishnamoorthi donating the Palantir contributions to immigrant rights organizations.
Criticism & Opposition: Divisions Within the Party
The primary has highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the best approach to immigration reform. Some moderate Democrats express concern that the "abolish ICE" rhetoric could be politically damaging in the general election. The moderate think tank Third Way has cautioned that such positions could be "politically lethal," potentially alienating centrist voters.
Stratton has dismissed these concerns, arguing that the real travesty lies in the federal government's actions against its citizens. "Anyone who wants to talk about what can be weaponized... that’s the real travesty here," she stated, framing her position as a necessary response to systemic injustices.
What's Next: The Primary and Its Implications
As the primary approaches, the candidates are intensifying their efforts to connect with voters, particularly in Chicago, where a significant portion of the Democratic electorate resides. The outcome of this primary will not only determine who will likely succeed Durbin but also serve as a litmus test for the Democratic Party's stance on immigration as it heads into the general election. Given Illinois' solidly Democratic leanings, the winner is expected to face a Republican challenger in a race that will be closely watched for its implications on national immigration policy debates.
