Sen. Elissa Slotkin criticizes Democrats for avoiding tough stances on immigration, urging bold leadership and honest debate.

Slotkin Challenges Democrats to Face Immigration Issues Directly

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin issued a pointed critique of her own party on Thursday, calling on Democrats to stop being “scared” of offending immigration groups and to embrace a more direct approach to immigration policy. In an interview with The New York Times, Slotkin asserted that Democrats too often shy away from difficult conversations about who should be allowed to live in the United States, fearing backlash from activists or challenges from within their ranks.

“The Republicans are fomenting anti-immigrant hate as a policy and a strategy, and Democrats are so scared of offending either immigration groups or people to the left of them — maybe they’re in a primary, they are concerned about saying: ‘No, not everyone gets to be here. Not everyone has the right to live in the United States, and we, like every other country in the world, get to know who and what is coming across our borders,’” Slotkin told the Times.

Slotkin emphasized that most Americans support legal immigration and recognize the contributions of immigrants to the economy, but want those entering the country to do so through legal and thoroughly vetted channels. “That kind of clamping down with rules tends to make a lot of my Democratic colleagues really nervous,” she said, highlighting a disconnect between advocacy groups’ positions and the priorities of voters.

Calls for ‘Alpha Energy’ and Honest Leadership

In her interview, Slotkin lamented what she described as a loss of “alpha-energy” among Democrats. She argued that strong leadership means responding to public anxieties with decisive, bold action rather than relying on lengthy policy explanations. “Alpha energy is synonymous with being bold. Call the tough play, take a risk, be bold. And don’t be so damn scared of your own shadow,” Slotkin urged.

The senator also referenced the recent presidential election, noting that groups claiming to represent immigrant communities did not necessarily reflect the views of Latino voters, many of whom swung toward President Donald Trump. “Some of these groups were trotting around Washington saying they represent the immigrant community, and they clearly did not,” Slotkin said.

Slotkin, who delivered the official Democratic response to President Trump’s March address to Congress, has previously called for “responsible” changes in government and criticized the administration’s foreign policy approach. She drew a contrast between Trump’s leadership and that of former President Ronald Reagan, arguing that moral clarity and unity are essential to American strength on the global stage.

As Democrats navigate ongoing debates over immigration, Slotkin’s remarks highlight growing calls within the party for a more open and assertive dialogue that addresses both the practical and moral aspects of border policy. The Michigan senator’s push for boldness and honesty may influence the party’s approach as it seeks to balance advocacy, voter expectations, and national security concerns in the years ahead.