MSNBC correspondent Rosa Flores has called attention to the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics in fueling public fear and division, particularly in the wake of a deadly shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas. During a segment on Ana Cabrera Reports, Flores highlighted that the agency’s use of unmarked vehicles and agents wearing masks has contributed to the widespread hostility toward ICE, which has become a point of contention in the political landscape. This incident has led to calls for Democrats to tone down their anti-ICE rhetoric, as officials and public figures point to the potential consequences of such rhetoric.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday morning, was preceded by a dramatic confrontation between the shooter and ICE officers. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, opened fire at the facility, killing two detainees and injuring one before taking his own life. According to police, the attack was politically motivated, as evidenced by the rifle magazine engraved with an “anti-ICE” message. This has prompted public figures to urge Democratic leaders to reconsider their tone toward the agency, as the shooting has raised concerns over the impact of rhetoric on law enforcement and public safety.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has condemned the attack as a targeted assault on law enforcement, blaming Democrats for fostering an environment that emboldens radicals to commit such violence. He accused the Democratic Party of creating an “epidemic of leftist political violence” and warned that such rhetoric must be curtailed. Similarly, Vice President JD Vance has called for an end to “obsessive attacks” on law enforcement, with an emphasis on addressing the growing hostility toward agencies like ICE. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has linked the shooting to the far-left’s anti-ICE rhetoric, warning that the consequences of such comparisons to oppressive forces like the Gestapo and slave patrols are severe.
The escalation in tensions has also led to increased scrutiny of the tactics employed by ICE. Reports show that assaults on immigration officers have surged by over 830% between January and July 2025, with officials attributing this to the persistent vilification of agents by critics. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill banning law enforcement from wearing face masks while on duty, a move that has been met with resistance from Trump administration officials who claim the law is illegal and will not be enforced. This legislative action reflects a broader effort to address the challenges posed by public hostility and the need for greater transparency in law enforcement operations.
MSNBC’s Flores acknowledged the validity of concerns regarding the impact of rhetoric on public perception of ICE, while also emphasizing the importance of reducing division. She stated that the call for a decrease in divisive rhetoric is particularly relevant as the shooting has underscored the real-world consequences of such hostility. As the situation continues to unfold, both lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are under pressure to address the underlying tensions that have led to the tragic incident, with calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes public safety and the integrity of law enforcement.