Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong has accused some Democratic lawmakers in Congress of effectively aiding Republicans in allowing federal immigration agents to remain active in American communities.
Speaking at a public event on Feb. 12, 2026, Levy Armstrong delivered a pointed critique of federal leadership, arguing that bipartisan inaction has enabled what she described as unchecked enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“It’s also shameful that Democrats—some of them—have sided with Republicans at this time,” she said. “They have let down the American people, and they do not deserve to be in these seats if they’re not going to uphold the law.”
Claims of Bipartisan Failure
Levy Armstrong centered her criticism around congressional oversight responsibilities, stating that lawmakers created ICE, fund its operations, and retain authority to regulate its activities.
“Congress established ICE. Congress is supposed to have oversight of ICE. Congress funds ICE—and yet they have allowed this lawlessness to happen,” she said, accusing lawmakers of failing to act despite documented complaints about enforcement practices.
Her remarks reflect growing frustration among immigration advocates who argue that both parties share responsibility for the agency’s continued operations, even amid mounting criticism over alleged aggressive tactics.
Broader Critique of Federal Power
Levy Armstrong also described ICE enforcement in Minnesota as part of a wider historical pattern of government overreach affecting marginalized communities.
She argued that many Americans are only now recognizing issues long raised by civil rights activists.
“The white community is finally seeing what we’ve been saying all along—how those in power manipulate information and how the public believes it,” she said.
Her comments extended beyond Republicans, criticizing older political leadership across party lines and calling for younger lawmakers to take a stronger stance on justice and civil rights.
Political Context
The attorney’s remarks come amid continuing national debates over immigration enforcement policies, federal authority, and the role of ICE in local jurisdictions. Minnesota has seen sustained tensions in recent years, including protests and legal challenges related to immigration operations.
Levy Armstrong herself was arrested in January in connection with a protest in St. Paul linked to these issues. That arrest later drew attention after a White House official confirmed that an image posted online had been digitally altered to make her appear to be crying.
The original photo, first shared publicly by Kristi Noem, reportedly showed her looking calm as she was taken into custody.
Ongoing Debate
Levy Armstrong’s latest statements highlight deep divisions within U.S. politics over immigration enforcement and congressional responsibility.
Supporters say her comments reflect growing impatience among activists who want stronger oversight of federal agencies. Critics, however, argue that such rhetoric risks intensifying political polarization around an already contentious issue.
As the ICE debate continues, her remarks underscore a central question shaping national immigration policy discussions: how much responsibility Congress—across both parties—bears for the continued presence and actions of federal immigration enforcement agencies in local communities.
