As I watch the firestorm continue to rage between Minnesota lawmakers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, I miss former President Barack Obama (just a little bit).

Surprising, I know. Why?

Obama was the last Democratic president who, despite my disagreements with many of his ideas and policies − especially Obamacare, which I view as a failure − often made sense, particularly on immigration. In two terms, "deporter in chief" Obama removed over 3.1 million immigrants via ICE. In fiscal year 2012, more than 407,000 people were deported. He was even publicly scolded for doing home raids and told to stop.

Though this was a bit controversial, Democrats didn't seem to mind much. Republicans did criticize Obama for favoring amnesty, but these actions were necessary to maintain law, order and our social contract.

This is different from what the Democratic Party espouses today. Rather than looking at the meltdown in Minnesota as an example to avoid, congressional Democrats seem to be doing the opposite. Progressive Democrats in both chambers are urging their party to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless it includes restrictions tied to ICE.

Some prominent Democrats are even calling to abolish ICE after one of its agents fatally shot a U.S. citizen on Jan. 7.

This would be a huge mistake, but one that I'd suggest Democrats go ahead and make, especially if it's truly reflective of their values and beliefs. This way, Americans can truly see that they have become a party purposely defying the very social contract that keeps America's fabric stitched together. It will cost Democrats.

My home state of Minnesota remains in the national spotlight after a flurry........

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