IL Senate Race: Democrats Clash on Trump, ICE & Key Policies

Illinois’s Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate—U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—all agree President Donald Trump’s leadership represents a constitutional crisis. During a debate on January 29, 2026, the candidates outlined differing approaches to addressing this challenge and other key issues facing the nation.

Diverging Paths on Immigration Enforcement

A central point of contention revolved around the future of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Stratton reiterated her call to “abolish” the agency, while Krishnamoorthi advocated for ending “Trump’s ICE.” Kelly, who has pursued an effort to impeach U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, proposed a complete overhaul of the department.

Did You Know? The debate was co-sponsored by WLS-Ch. 7, Univision Chicago, and the League of Women Voters of Illinois and of Chicago.

The debate followed recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving immigration enforcement agents, prompting scrutiny of federal tactics. Krishnamoorthi criticized Stratton’s suggestion that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could continue immigration activities if ICE were abolished, noting CBP’s involvement in one of the shootings. He argued for abolishing “Trump’s ICE” and revamping both CBP and the Department of Homeland Security.

Policy Differences and Potential Congressional Action

Stratton and Kelly both stated they would not confirm any new Trump appointees to his Cabinet or the Supreme Court. Krishnamoorthi indicated he would focus on blocking “radical” judicial appointees to Illinois federal benches and rigorously vetting Supreme Court nominees. On economic policy, Stratton proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour, while Kelly suggested a more politically viable $17 an hour, with Krishnamoorthi agreeing with the latter.

Term Limits and Constitutional Amendments

Krishnamoorthi stands alone among the three candidates in supporting term limits for members of Congress. However, all three agreed on the need for limits on the tenure of Supreme Court justices. Krishnamoorthi also proposed amending the Constitution to prevent a third presidential term.

Expert Insight: The differing approaches to ICE and judicial appointments highlight a broader strategic debate within the Democratic party—whether to pursue sweeping systemic change or focus on more incremental, politically feasible reforms.

Prior to the debate, Senate Democrats reached a temporary agreement with the Trump administration to avert a government shutdown, agreeing to a two-week funding bill for Homeland Security while negotiating operational guidelines for immigration agents. Kelly’s campaign subsequently released a commercial emphasizing her efforts to impeach Noem and hold ICE accountable.

Public Opinion and Campaign Strategies

Recent polling data from the Pew Research Center indicates widespread public disapproval of certain tactics employed by federal immigration agents, with 61% finding it unacceptable for agents to conceal their identities and 72% objecting to using appearance or language as grounds for immigration checks. Stratton’s campaign and a supporting political action committee have focused on her commitment to fighting Trump and abolishing ICE, while Krishnamoorthi has emphasized his downstate roots, securing endorsements from Democratic county chairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Juliana Stratton’s position on ICE?

Juliana Stratton has repeatedly called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What is Robin Kelly’s approach to addressing issues with the Department of Homeland Security?

Robin Kelly has launched an effort to impeach U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and advocates for a complete overhaul of the Department of Homeland Security.

What is Raja Krishnamoorthi’s stance on term limits?

Raja Krishnamoorthi is the only candidate who supports term limits for members of Congress.

As the primary election approaches, it remains to be seen how these distinctions will resonate with Illinois voters and what impact they will have on the race for the U.S. Senate.