A Los Angeles high school teacher and anti-ICE activist, Ron Gochez, ignited a contentious debate by suggesting that the public has the right to defend themselves against immigration authorities following a shooting incident involving a federal agent and an undocumented immigrant. His comments, which included describing ICE agents as ‘masked kidnappers,’ have drawn sharp criticism from Homeland Security officials, who branded the remarks ‘un-American’ and potentially criminal. The incident occurred hours after a U.S. marshal and an undocumented immigrant were shot during an ICE operation. The Department of Homeland Security has referred Gochez’s remarks to the Justice Department, warning that such rhetoric could exacerbate tensions and place law enforcement officers in danger.