A Democratic candidate for the Texas legislature used a warmup speech at a Lubbock rally for U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico to call for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a stance the nominee has distanced himself from on the campaign trail.
Malik Williams spoke at the Tuesday event before introducing Talarico. "We can legalize and tax THC and cannabis. We're gonna abolish ICE, we're gonna tax the rich and we're going to get my friend, the next United States Senator from the state of Texas, James Talarico, elected!" he said, drawing loud applause.
Talarico, a Democrat seeking office in a historically Republican state, has avoided making such direct calls. At a joint CNN and Jubilee town hall, he was asked whether he supported abolishing ICE and answered plainly: "No, and I never have." He added that "we need Immigration and Customs Enforcement in this country, but that's not what we're seeing." In his words, the past year has shown "a secret police force, and that's what we don't want in this country."
His recent comments differ from earlier ones. In a January primary debate with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Tex., Talarico said it was time to "tear down" ICE. He cited several incidents, including claims that ICE shot a mother in the face, kidnapped a 5-year-old boy and executed a man on a street that morning. He said the agency should be replaced with one focused on public safety. He also backed calling agents before Congress to testify about actions taken during enforcement operations.
Public opinion on the issue is divided. A July YouGov/The Economist poll found 48% of Americans overall support abolishing ICE, while 67% of Republicans strongly oppose the idea. In Texas, a February poll from The Texas Politics Project found 42% of voters view the agency very or somewhat favorably, compared with 47% who view it somewhat or very unfavorably.
Williams's remarks went beyond immigration. He promoted several policies popular with the rising wing of Democratic Socialists and appeared to criticize President Donald Trump and Talarico's Republican opponent, Ken Paxton.
"When we have embarrassing loser representatives that support a fascist, racist, rapist, war criminal, I say we deserve better!" Williams said. He also said ranchers and farmers do not want data centers and accused politicians of forcing them on communities without consent. "I say we deserve better!" he repeated, to cheers.
Williams also called for more funding for public education, guaranteed childcare and an expansion of healthcare, all policies favored by the Democratic Socialists of America.
The Talarico, Williams and Paxton campaigns did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
