Ed Markey Calls for Civil Disobedience Over ICE

U.S. Senator Ed Markey turned 80 on July 11, 2026. He's now calling for sit-ins and civil disobedience in opposition to the Trump Administration's plan to enforce an end to Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians, many of whom have lived in the United States for more than a decade as their TPS status was extended.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently cleared the way for the end of TPS protections for Haitians.

Markey apparently believes ICE agents are preparing to interfere with the upcoming national elections.

Get our free mobile app

After years of driving an ice cream truck, Markey was first elected to the United States Congress in 1975, when I was a senior at New Bedford High School. He has been there ever since, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate after winning a special election to fill John Kerry's seat in 2013.

Markey is upset with what he claims, without providing evidence, are plans for President Donald Trump to send ICE agents to polling places for the midterm elections in November.

Massachusetts Sen. Markey Calls For Sit-Ins And Civil Disobedience — Getty Images

Markey Calls for Civil Disobedience

"We cannot allow Donald Trump to undermine our free and fair elections," Mass Daily News reported Markey posted on social media. "And when he (Trump) sends ICE agents to the polls – we must turn civic action into civil disobedience. Take to the streets. Sit in. Protest. Withhold our labor. That is our charge."

Markey's Recent Political Controversies

During a recent event in Plymouth, Markey, who continues to face questions about his residency, reportedly posted, "Defund ICE. Abolish ICE." Markey has also reportedly called for an end to qualified immunity for police officers.

Senate Effort to Extend Haitian TPS Fails

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reported Markey's effort to extend TPS status for the Haitians living in America who were offered the temporary protections was defeated by a Senate colleague.

Roughly 350,000 Haitians are living in America; about 42,000 are in Massachusetts.

Markey Faces 2026 Primary Challenge

Markey faces a Democratic primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton on September 1, 2026.

LOOK: What hurricane season was like the year you were born

Using NOAA data, Stacker summarized the last 100 hurricane seasons in the Atlantic Basin. See which years and storms broke records over the last century.

Gallery Credit: Stacker