ICE arrests fuel US immigration debate ahead of midterm elections

Immigration enforcement is emerging as a major political issue ahead of the US midterm elections, as rising arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensify debate over deportations and border security. Al Jazeera's Phil Lavelle examines the human impact of the crackdown through the story of Cynthia Penaloza, whose sister, Jocelyn, was arrested during a traffic stop and faces deportation to Mexico. The report cites figures indicating that nearly 75% of people detained by ICE in July had no criminal convictions. Meanwhile, Republican officials, including Tom Homan, are advocating tougher enforcement and expanded detention capacity, while Democratic voices, including Richard Gonzales, are calling for ICE to be abolished. Polling cited in the report points to growing concerns among independent and Hispanic voters that immigration enforcement has gone too far. As the midterm elections approach, immigration policy is becoming a key point of political division, raising questions about border security, due process and the impact of deportations on families. Al Jazeera's Phil Lavelle reports. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X : https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile