By: Dr Avi Verma

Congressional candidate Bushra Amiwala used a televised debate on FOX 32 Chicago to sharply criticize the influence of “dark money” in politics and call for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), drawing clear contrasts with her opponents in the race for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District seat.

During Wednesday evening’s debate, moderator Paris Schutz asked Amiwala whether several of her opponents had benefited from outside spending.

“They’re inviting dark money to spend on their behalf,” said Amiwala, who currently serves on the Skokie School Board. “To me, it’s a form of hypocrisy for them to call for an end to Citizens United, which currently allows uncapped amounts of money to be spent in races such as ours.”

Amiwala referenced the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which permits unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations, unions, and outside groups. Critics argue the ruling has enabled significant influence by undisclosed donors in federal and state elections, while supporters defend it as protected political speech.

Strong stance on immigration enforcement

The debate also turned to immigration policy, where Amiwala took a firm position against ICE, the federal agency operating under the Department of Homeland Security.

“ICE is a racist institution. They don’t uphold due process, which, in and of itself, makes ICE an unconstitutional organization,” Amiwala said. She clarified that her proposal would not eliminate the U.S. Border Patrol or the broader Department of Homeland Security but would specifically target ICE as an agency.

Amiwala argued that the institution, created in 2003, cannot be reformed and disproportionately impacts minority communities. Her remarks reflect a broader national debate over immigration enforcement policies that intensified during the administration of President Donald Trump and continue to divide voters.

A generational campaign

Amiwala, often described as one of the nation’s first Generation Z elected officials after winning her Skokie School Board seat at age 19, has centered her campaign on campaign finance reform, immigration justice, and accountability in government.

The 9th District race is drawing significant attention, with candidates debating issues ranging from campaign finance transparency to border policy and economic equity.

As the primary approaches, Amiwala’s forceful debate performance signals a strategy focused on progressive reforms and generational change, positioning her as a challenger to both establishment politics and entrenched funding systems.