FLORIDA — Angie Nixon, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Florida, said in a podcast interview earlier this month that Republicans are "literally trying to kill us" and described Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a "weaponized paramilitary force." The Department of Homeland Security rejected Nixon’s accusations.

Nixon made her comments during an interview on the "QNA: Questions Need Answers" podcast. As a member of the Florida House of Representatives, she addressed the political climate and federal law enforcement tactics while campaigning for the Senate seat that will fill the remainder of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s former term.

During the discussion, Nixon offered an assessment of the opposition party's intentions. "They’re not trying to work across the aisle. They’re literally trying to kill us. And they are doing it on camera," Nixon said.

She further described federal immigration agents, stating, "ICE is now a weaponized paramilitary force that is designed to terrorize us." To support her characterization, Nixon cited a September 2025 Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation at an apartment building in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.

The Department of Homeland Security responded to the remarks by pointing to its use-of-force policy, which included minimum-force and de-escalation standards. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated, "Allegations that DHS law enforcement engages in ‘racial profiling’ are disgusting, reckless and categorically FALSE." The department also clarified that immigration status, not race or ethnicity, determined who was targeted for enforcement, and cited Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s authority under 8 U.S.C. 1357.

In addition to addressing the specific allegations, the spokesperson noted the dangers faced by agents. "Our brave law enforcement is facing a 1,300% increase in assaults, 3,300% increase in vehicular attack, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them," the spokesperson said. Republican National Committee spokeswoman Emma Hall also issued a statement criticizing the Democratic nominee. "Socialist lunatic Angie Nixon wants to empty our prisons, open our borders and raise your taxes to bankroll their far-left agenda," Hall stated.

Nixon secured her position as the nominee after winning the Florida Democratic Senate primary. She defeated Alexander Vindman in the primary by nearly 12 points. Vindman raised $16.27 million for his campaign, while Nixon raised approximately $1 million. Nixon will face Republican Senator Ashley Moody in the November general election.

Why It Matters

The exchange illustrates the rhetorical divide in the Florida Senate race, where Nixon faces Republican Senator Ashley Moody for the seat vacated by Marco Rubio. Nixon’s description of ICE as a "weaponized paramilitary force" and her claim that Republicans are "trying to kill us" represent an escalation in political discourse, prompting immediate rebuttals from federal authorities and the opposing party. The Department of Homeland Security’s response, including statistics on assaults against officers and citations of legal authority, counters what it termed reckless allegations.

The controversy also intersects with internal Democratic Party dynamics regarding ideology and electability. Nixon’s membership in the Democratic Socialists of America and her platform proposals, such as raising the minimum wage to $26 and funding Medicare for All, have become focal points for Republican attacks. Warnings from party figures about the electoral risks of these associations suggest that the primary victory over a well-funded opponent like Alexander Vindman may not insulate Nixon from challenges in the general election.

What's New

Additional reporting provides further context on Nixon’s policy positions and internal party interactions. Nixon’s platform includes raising the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to about $26. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Her platform also includes closing corporate tax loopholes and funding Medicare for All. Reports indicate Nixon had a heated conversation with Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried regarding the impact of socialism and campaigning in Florida. The Department of Homeland Security pointed to its use-of-force policy, which included minimum-force and de-escalation standards, in response to Angie Nixon's characterization of ICE. Nikki Fried warned Angie Nixon that her ties to the Democratic Socialists of America could give an opening to the GOP to attack her, particularly among Jewish members and the Hispanic caucus.

How Sources Differ

Sources vary in the level of detail provided regarding the Florida Democratic Senate primary outcome. Some sources state simply that Angie Nixon won the Florida Democratic Senate primary. Others specify that Angie Nixon defeated Alexander Vindman in the Florida Democratic Senate primary by nearly 12 points. Additionally, while some accounts focus on the primary result, other reports note interpersonal conflicts, noting that Angie Nixon had a heated conversation with Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried regarding the impact of socialism and campaigning in Florida.