The Playbook Podcast The immigration divides
Jan 28, 2026
A look at how recent violent incidents are reshaping political messaging on immigration. Tension within one party over border enforcement and surprising PR problems for federal agents. Debate over whether the other party should prioritize the economy or make immigration central. Possible practical policy fixes and the election and foreign-policy stakes tied to migration.
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Messaging Trouble For Republicans
- Republicans are struggling to message on immigration after shocking images from recent ICE actions shifted public sentiment.
- That shift makes it harder for Republicans to run the same border-security playbook they used last year.
Democrats' Strategic Dilemma
- Democrats face a choice between pivoting to the economy or making immigration their central issue.
- Using a shutdown over immigration would be bolder than last year's healthcare-focused strategy and risks political trade-offs.
Power Of Visuals On Public Opinion
- Visual, shocking images of enforcement actions have altered public associations with immigration enforcement.
- Those images make it difficult for Republicans to invoke traditional border-security narratives.