A pro-Ed Markey ad says Seth Moulton “thanked ICE.” The claim distorts a broader vote and ignores his criticism of the agency.
A political advertisement supporting Sen. Ed Markey claims that Seth Moulton “thanked ICE” and portrayed him as supportive of the immigration enforcement agency. The claim is misleading because it selectively highlights a small portion of a broader legislative action while ignoring his overall stance.
The ad is based on Moulton’s vote for a June 2025 congressional resolution that included a single sentence expressing gratitude for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, that resolution’s primary purpose was to condemn a violent antisemitic attack in Colorado, not to endorse ICE policies.
Moulton also voted for another resolution around the same time that condemned antisemitic violence and did not mention ICE at all.
The advertisement omits key context about Moulton’s broader position. In recent months, he has repeatedly criticized ICE and has called for significant reforms, including proposals to overhaul or even abolish the agency.
By isolating one phrase from a lengthy resolution and presenting it as evidence of support, the ad creates a misleading impression. Fact-checkers found no evidence that Moulton publicly praised ICE in the context suggested by the ad, nor that he supported the specific actions highlighted in the campaign messaging.
This type of political messaging reflects a common tactic: using a technically accurate detail but removing context to alter its meaning. While Moulton did vote for a resolution containing language thanking ICE, that vote does not reflect a broader endorsement of the agency’s conduct or policies.
Final Verdict: Barely True ⚖️ The ad is based on a real vote, but it distorts Moulton’s position by ignoring the context of the resolution and his consistent criticism of ICE.