Jasmine Crockett asserts ICE enforcement tactics are turning America into ‘Nazi Germany’

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic candidate running for the US Senate in 2026, made a highly controversial statement during a Republican‑leaning GOP primary debate with State Rep. James Talarico.

She sharply criticized federal immigration enforcement, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), claiming its actions are transforming the United States into “Nazi Germany.” Crockett’s remarks have drawn widespread attention and underscore her fiery rhetoric on immigration enforcement and Republican policies.

Jasmine Crockett’s statement condemning ICE activities

During the primary debate, Crockett criticized ICE for overstepping its authority. “As it relates to the enforcement that we see right now, let me be clear, they are supposed to do immigration and customs enforcement, not going after U.S. citizens, not going after people that are documented,” she said.

She added that ICE is ignoring its own mandate. “That is not what they are supposed to do. But that is what they are doing,” Crockett said, before asserting that ICE officers are turning America into “Nazi Germany” — hinting at agencies’ increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics.

According to her, these included going “door‑to‑door,” and targeting individuals based on their accent or skin color, claiming the US Supreme Court had given ICE “carte blanche” to do so.

Crockett again insisted ICE stick to its purpose: “All we want ICE to do is to do what ICE was created to do and unfortunately, that’s not what they are doing.”

Jasmine Crockett ties remarks to recent fatal shooting

Crockett had previously criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, likening its tactics to those of Nazi Germany.

Speaking at an event named 'Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Deadly Assault on Minnesota,' which came in the wake of the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent earlier this month, she said immigration enforcement efforts under Noem look like “modern‑day slave patrols,” and they have been sanctioned by the Supreme Court.

She continued, “Whoever thought we would live in a country that progress looks like having a Supreme Court that says yes, it is okay to look at somebody or to listen to their accent and give permission to grab them.”

Senate context and political fallout

Her comments came against the backdrop of a recent fatal shooting in Minneapolis, where 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti, a south Minneapolis resident, was fatally shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation on Saturday, January 24.

According to polling data, Crockett was leading the Democratic primary by as many as 18 points. Her opponent, Talarico, has made Christianity a prominent part of his campaign.

On the Republican side, the primary is also heating up, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging incumbent John Cornyn, whom some Republicans have labeled a “RINO.” Former President Trump has indicated he will not endorse Cornyn in the contest.

Crockett, meanwhile, has gained notoriety for her crude rhetoric and repeated outbursts directed at Republicans, often veering into extremist and violent language. Last July, she referred to Trump as a “wannabe Hitler.”

“They want to show that they’re loyal to this, you know, I don’t even know what to call him,” Crockett said at the time when discussing the Epstein files. “They want to pledge their loyalty to him, and they know that he does not want this released.”