Democrats call for sanity in immigration policy after midterm backlash

Members of Congress on Wednesday urged immediate steps to rein in the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement operation and to "bring sanity" to the system, The Guardian reported. The appeal came just over a week after the midterm elections, in which the president’s hard‑line immigration crackdown was linked to a voter backlash against Republicans. Sitting and newly elected Democrats gathered outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, saying they want a bipartisan approach to reforms even as they prepare to control both legislative chambers next year. While they pressed for change, the lawmakers declined to give details on how they might reform or abolish the agency involved. President Donald Trump had earlier described the immigration system as "too tough" in certain aspects. The Democrats’ push signals an effort to shift immigration policy direction before they assume congressional majorities.

Why it matters

The statement shows Democrats plan to reshape immigration enforcement before taking control of Congress, which could affect the administration’s current policies.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

12 Nov 2026, 05:12 IST

Key names

ICE, Donald Trump, Trump, Members of Congress

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianDemocrats push to rein in Trump on immigration after voter backlash to ICE raids 12 Nov, 05:12

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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