The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released new data showing a dramatic spike in attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, with officials reporting a 500% increase in assaults during immigration-related enforcement activities.
“This week alone, an ICE officer was dragged 50 yards by a car while attempting to apprehend an illegal alien sex offender,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. “Every day the men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens.”
According to DHS, the surge in violence has coincided with increasingly hostile rhetoric from politicians in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. McLaughlin specifically pointed to Democratic leaders including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“Make no mistake, Democrat politicians… are contributing to the surge in assaults of our ICE officers through their repeated vilification and demonization of ICE,” McLaughlin said. “From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi Gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is despicable. This violence against ICE must end.”
In addition to physical assaults, DHS officials say ICE officers and their families are now being targeted for harassment. In several instances, family members of ICE agents have reportedly been doxed, prompting warnings from federal officials that such actions will result in prosecution.
“Those who dox our ICE agents will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” McLaughlin warned.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed that message, promising continued immigration enforcement efforts and legal consequences for those who attack law enforcement.
“You will not stop us or slow us down,” Noem said. “ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
