Lubbock State House Candidate Malik Williams Urges Abolishing ICE Before Talarico Speaks

Malik Williams, a Democrat running for the Texas legislature, used his warmup slot at a Tuesday evening rally in Lubbock to call for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He spoke just before introducing U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico to the crowd.

"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!" Williams shouted, drawing loud applause from the audience.

The stance places Williams at odds with the nominee he introduced. Talarico has carefully avoided direct calls to end the agency. During a joint CNN and Jubilee town hall, Talarico stated plainly that he does not support abolishing ICE and never has. He argued that the country needs the agency, though he criticized recent operations for acting like a secret police force.

Talarico's current position marks a shift from earlier comments. In a January primary debate against Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Talarico said it was time to tear down ICE. He cited specific incidents, including claims that agents shot a mother, kidnapped a five-year-old boy, and executed a man, arguing the agency should be replaced with one focused on public safety. He also supported requiring agents to testify before Congress about enforcement actions.

Williams expanded his remarks beyond immigration to include policies favored by the Democratic Socialists of America. He called for increased funding for public education, guaranteed childcare, and expanded healthcare. He also criticized ranchers and farmers for being forced to accept data centers without consent, and he described current political leadership as embarrassing losers supporting a fascist, racist, rapist, and war criminal.

Public opinion on the issue remains split. A July poll by YouGov and The Economist found that 48% of Americans support abolishing ICE, while 67% of Republicans strongly oppose the idea. In Texas, a February poll from The Texas Politics Project showed that 42% of voters view the agency favorably, compared to 47% who view it unfavorably.

The campaigns for Talarico, Williams, and Republican opponent Ken Paxton did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the rally.