ICE comments put Senate candidate Karishma Manzur in the spotlight

Diya TV | By Sumit Jangir

CONCORD, NH — A Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire drew national attention after candidate Karishma Manzur called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be defunded and questioned the conduct and identity of some ICE agents. Manzur, a scientist and progressive activist, made the remarks during a recent appearance on WMUR-TV’s CloseUp. A short clip from the interview spread quickly on social media and sparked sharp criticism from conservatives and immigration hard-liners. Supporters praised her for challenging federal immigration enforcement.

The comments have intensified debate over immigration policy, law enforcement, and political rhetoric ahead of the 2026 election.

Manzur is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate and is challenging U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas. During the interview, she responded directly when asked whether she supports abolishing ICE.

“We should absolutely defund ICE. Yes,” Manzur said.

She argued that ICE no longer functions as a traditional law enforcement agency. She described the agency as operating in ways that intimidate immigrant communities.

“ICE is not law enforcement,” Manzur said. “ICE is acting like a paramilitary force.”

She said agents enter neighborhoods in tactical gear and use aggressive tactics. She described scenes of people being pulled from cars and confronted at their homes. She said those actions go beyond legal enforcement and create fear.

“That’s not law enforcement,” she said during the exchange.

Manzur also questioned why ICE agents often cover their faces during operations. She raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

“Do we even know who they are?” she asked.

She went on to suggest that the lack of visible identification raises troubling questions. She referenced extremist groups while stressing concern rather than making direct accusations.

“Are they January 6th insurrectionists? Are they Proud Boys?” Manzur said. “This is very concerning.”

Those remarks prompted swift backlash online. Critics accused her of smearing federal agents and undermining public trust in law enforcement. Some questioned her fitness to comment on federal agencies, citing her foreign birth. Manzur was born in Bangladesh and later became a U.S. citizen. She has spoken publicly about her immigrant background and has framed it as central to her views on immigration policy.

During the interview, Manzur pointed to videos circulating online that show ICE agents using force during arrests. She referenced footage from Minnesota and other states.

“When I look at ICE and the videos that are coming out of Minnesota, that’s not police,” she said. “That’s thuggish behavior.”

ICE has said its officers face dangerous situations and follow federal law. The agency maintains that face coverings protect officers and their families from threats and harassment. The Department of Homeland Security has defended ICE’s mission as essential to enforcing immigration law and national security.

Manzur said defunding ICE does not mean cutting public safety funding. She proposed redirecting ICE’s budget to other agencies. She said Customs and Border Protection should continue to receive funding. She also said state and local police departments should get more resources.

“I think those $30 billion that is being given to ICE should be given to our town police, our city police, our state police, as well as the federal police,” Manzur said.

Her proposal aligns with broader progressive calls to rethink federal immigration enforcement and invest more in local services.

Manzur holds a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology. She has campaigned on universal healthcare, reducing the influence of money in politics, and immigration reform. Pappas has not responded directly to Manzur’s comments. He has generally supported border security while backing protections for immigrants with legal status.

The controversy highlights deep divisions within the Democratic Party over ICE and immigration policy. It also shows how immigration remains a powerful and emotional issue for voters. As the primary approaches, Manzur’s remarks are likely to keep the spotlight on New Hampshire’s Senate race and fuel debate well beyond the state.