The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported an 8,000 percent rise in death threats targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, with officials highlighting a dangerous escalation in violence against officers and their families. The surge, disclosed on October 30, has raised alarms about the safety of immigration enforcement workers amid heightened political tensions.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “From bounties placed on their heads for their murders, threats to their families, stalking and doxxing online, our officers are experiencing an unprecedented level of violence and threats against them and their families.” She linked some of the hostility to rhetoric from sanctuary jurisdictions, urging an end to the violence.
Examples cited include a social media post in Whatcom County, Washington, encouraging efforts to “make life hard for ICE,” and a threatening phone call directed at the spouse of a Texas ICE officer. Recent incidents also involved an ambush at an ICE facility in Texas, where gunmen used fireworks as a distraction before opening fire on responding officers. Bullet casings marked “Anti-ICE” were found near Dallas, suggesting targeted attacks.
Federal authorities have warned that extremist groups have exploited lawful protests in cities like Portland and Los Angeles to vandalize and attack ICE offices. The situation has intensified political debates, with President Donald J. Trump condemning anti-ICE violence and considering legal action against officials who fail to protect federal agents. Meanwhile, some local police departments, including in Chicago, have faced criticism for reportedly instructing officers to disengage from supporting ICE agents under threat.
