Philly 'Abolish ICE' socialist congressional candidate says crossing the border illegally is not a crime

Chris Rabb, the candidate running to represent Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District in the US House, which comprises of multiple areas of Philadelphia, has said that he wants to abolish ICE, and that those who come over the border illegally are not committing criminal acts. 

In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, he was asked, “Do you want amnesty for illegals and to abolish borders?”

Rabb asked in response, “what are illegals?”

When told that "illegals" are people who cross into the US illegally, Rabb said, “I don’t accept the premise of that question. There are folks who have no documentation, but these are not criminal acts.” 

Hannity said, “If you enter our country illegally, by definition, that is a criminal act,” with Rabb shaking his head in response. 

Rabb was also asked if he wants to abolish ICE, to which he said, “Absolutely, and dismantle the immigration concentration camps.” 

Rabb is a self-identified Democratic Socialist, saying on his website that he “believes democracy must work for everyone — not just the wealthy few.” Rabb has received a number of high-profile endorsements, including from Reps Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar, as well as the Philly DSA, the Sunrise Movement, and CAIR Action. 

Rabb’s platform includes common socialist agenda items, including “universal basic guarantees” of Medicare for all, housing, and other items, as well as national grocery stores, passing the Green New Deal, and reparations. 

He also supports making communities “safer,” writing, “When ICE terrorizes our neighbors, when families are separated and innocent people are targeted in the name of citizenship, it is an attack on our communities. When giant corporations and special interests buy up our politicians, and exploit, skirt or change our laws to line their pockets, it is an attack on our right to make our voices heard. When militarized police attack and murder peaceful protestors, it is an attack on our right to stand up for the things we know our communities need most.”

Additionally, he supports ending the embargo on Cuba, unrestricted humanitarian aid for Gaza, overhauling the Supreme Court, impeaching and removing Trump from office, and universal childcare.