Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that delivers the latest insights and analysis from NBC News Politics on events from the White House to Capitol Hill and key campaign trails.
Trump’s ICE Crackdown in Focus Ahead of Midterms
President Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts are intensifying nationwide as the midterm elections approach. This strategy brings significant political risks. With Secretary Markwayne Mullin leading the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), past controversies resurface, raising questions about ICE’s arrest targets, fatal shootings during stops, and detention conditions.
Negative headlines, particularly in battleground states, have resurfaced, and public discontent is growing. Recent events in Minnesota highlight this, with two shootings by federal agents leading to a 60% disapproval rating of Trump’s immigration approach in an NBC News poll. An Economist/YouGov poll in July showed 54% disapproval of Trump’s immigration handling with 58% believing ICE uses excessive force.
In Maine, ICE agent-related shootings prompted protests, putting GOP Sen. Susan Collins under scrutiny for her vote to fund ICE without new policy restrictions. Meanwhile, a Texas Senate race featuring Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico is contentious. National attention has focused on a story of a Trump voter whose fiancée was arrested by ICE. Under Mullin, ICE records a surge in arrests amid questions of tactics legality and agent training.
The administration is firm on ICE’s intensive action; Trump expressed this stance on social media, opposing recent efforts to limit vehicle stops after fatal shootings.
Key Races in Tonight’s Primaries
Today’s primaries bring the Democratic Party’s ideological and generational divisions into sharp relief. In Wisconsin, the governor race narrows between Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, and David Crowley, endorsed by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. Minnesota sees a moderate-progressive clash between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig.
Attention also turns to South Carolina’s special Republican primary following Sen. Lindsey Graham’s passing, alongside a competitive race in Connecticut where Democratic Rep. John Larson faces a youthful challenger, Luke Bronin.
Larsen confronts tough opposition as Bronin calls for generational change, outperforming Larson in fundraising and securing the endorsement of Pete Buttigieg. Bronin disputes claims about a contentious meeting with Larson.
Nine House members have lost primary races this election cycle, the highest in a non-redistricting year since 1970.
Further analysis of the establishment’s efforts to oppose Hong in Wisconsin is available in Steve Kornacki’s newsletter, along with his live coverage of tonight’s results.
Other Top Political Stories
- Former President Trump’s discreet departure from Turkey due to security concerns around the Iran conflict.
- Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, selects John Giles, a former Republican mayor, as her running mate.
- North Carolina Republicans choose Jennifer Balkcom as their 11th District nominee following Rep. Chuck Edwards’s exit.
- Iowa Senate race candidate Josh Turek emphasizes bipartisanship in his first TV ad.
- A recount in Indiana puts Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver ahead by three votes.
High-Stakes Wisconsin Primary: Socialist Surge Tests Establishment Democrats 
Scott Walker’s Concerns Over Francesca Hong and Democratic Socialism in Wisconsin 
Key Political Developments in U.S. Primaries and Senate Races 
Bernie Sanders Advocates for Medicare for All with New Study Support 
Scott Jennings Provides Update on Mitch McConnell’s Health 
Connecticut House Primary: John Larson Faces Challengers