Attorney General Phil Weiser (D-CO) questioned U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) about his plans to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The exchange highlights a growing tension within the Democratic primary as candidates clash over the feasibility of executive action on federal agencies. Because ICE is a federal entity, the ability of a governor to enact systemic reform remains a central point of contention regarding candidate credibility.
During a 9NEWS debate in Colorado, Weiser asked Bennet why voters should believe he would reform the agency as governor when he has not done so during his tenure as a senator. The challenge was aimed at assessing Bennet's credibility on the issue, as the governor's office has limited jurisdiction over federal law enforcement operations.
This confrontation comes as the candidates prepare for the Colorado Democratic primary election on June 30, 2026 [1]. The race has seen significant financial activity, with Bennet receiving $2.5 million in contributions from outside committees for his governor campaign [2].
Weiser and Bennet also disagreed over the efficacy of various anti-Trump tactics during the event. The debate served as a platform for both candidates to differentiate their records on immigration, and federal oversight ahead of the primary vote.
“Weiser asked Bennet why voters would believe he will reform ICE as governor when he has not done so as a senator”
This exchange underscores the legal and political friction inherent in promising state-level reforms for federal agencies. By questioning Bennet's record in the U.S. Senate, Weiser is attempting to frame the Senator's gubernatorial platform as unrealistic, shifting the focus from policy goals to the practical limitations of the governor's office.
