Candidate’s Response on Immigration Enforcement Raises Questions
Pennsylvania Democratic Congressional candidate Dr. Ara Stanford found herself momentarily speechless during a live interview when asked who would be responsible for enforcing U.S. immigration laws in the absence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The exchange occurred during a discussion of her campaign in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District with NBC Philadelphia reporter Lauren Make.
As Make pressed for clarity on the matter, Stanford took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. “That’s a good question, and I don’t mind if you pause, I just want to think about it,” she stated, though she did not provide a specific answer regarding a substitute for ICE.
Critique of Current Immigration Policies
Stanford emphasized her belief that ICE is fundamentally flawed, arguing that the agency cannot be reformed and must be dismantled and rebuilt. According to her, the responsibility for immigration enforcement should not solely rest with the executive branch. “It’s not the executive branch,” she said. “So it’s not the president’s. So it’s Congress’s.”
She further criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, asserting that decisions made during this period were often politically motivated instead of focused on public safety. “This belongs to Congress because the executive branch, especially the president, is self-serving,” Stanford argued, highlighting her discontent with current leadership.
Immigration Enforcement in a Post-ICE Era
During the interview, Make pointed out the reality that even with the potential dismantling of ICE, the need for immigration enforcement would persist. “Who should be in charge on the ground? We absolutely have immigration laws in this country and at our borders,” he pressed.
In response, Stanford reiterated her stance, asserting that a new framework would need to be established following the elimination of ICE. “Once you abolish it, you have to rebuild it,” she noted, claiming that the current paramilitary nature of immigration enforcement is harming lives.
The Need for a Naming Reevaluation
Stanford also raised concerns about the negative connotations associated with the name ICE, suggesting that it should be retired in favor of something more constructive. “It has such a negative connotation at the moment that I think we need a new name,” she explained, pointing out the symbolic weight such identifiers carry in public perception.
Advocating for Humanitarian Border Policies
The candidate argued for a more humane approach to immigration, combining border security with humanitarian assistance for migrants. “People who come to this country have added value, diversified, and helped build America,” she asserted. “When they are fleeing to come to the United States, it should be a sanctuary, not a living hell.”
Collaboration with Experts to Shape Policy
Stanford concluded her thoughts by emphasizing the importance of expert guidance in developing new immigration policies. “I’m going to surround myself with more knowledgeable experts in this field to tell me how I can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to informed policymaking.
Stanford’s Campaign Position
Dr. Ara Stanford is vying for a congressional seat in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District, which is heavily Democratic and centered around Philadelphia. The current vacancy was created by U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, and the strongly supportive Democratic base makes the primary election pivotal in determining her successor.
