The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported a dramatic increase in violent attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, citing a surge of 1,150% since the same period last year under the Biden administration. The report, released on Monday, highlights 238 violent incidents against ICE officers between January 21 and November 21, compared to just 19 in the same timeframe in 2024. Officials from DHS have attributed this sharp rise to ‘sanctuary city’ rhetoric from local officials, warning that such language could further incite violence. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has called on officials in sanctuary jurisdictions to tone down their rhetoric, expressing concern over the safety of ICE officers who face dangers such as physical assaults, vehicle ramming, and even Molotov cocktail attacks.
The increase in violence has prompted the DHS to emphasize the dangers faced by officers and the importance of the rule of law, stating that any attack on these officers represents a challenge to the legal order in the nation. McLaughlin’s statement underscores the heightened risks for law enforcement, with incidents ranging from physical assaults, including biting and spitting, to more severe cases such as vehicle ramming and gunfire. The department has acknowledged that these attacks are not only a threat to the safety of individual officers but also to the broader public trust in law enforcement.
The incidents reported by DHS have included some particularly alarming cases. For instance, a Guatemalan national named Henry Isaul Garcia allegedly reversed his vehicle into an ICE officer’s leg in Homestead, Florida, nearly crushing the officer during an attempted arrest. Another incident involved Benjamin Hanil Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, who was allegedly part of an organized July 4 ambush at the Prairieland Detention Center, where at least 10 individuals opened fire. In June, fugitive Eric Anthony Rodriguez, known for his criminal history, reportedly attempted to attack officers with a Molotov cocktail at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport, where 15 ICE and 12 CBP officers were stationed.
These incidents have underscored the ongoing tensions between ICE and communities, with officials suggesting that the rhetoric from local leaders has contributed to a climate of hostility toward law enforcement. The department has expressed concerns over the potential for further violence, especially as the rhetoric continues. McLaughlin has also highlighted the necessity of the rule of law, noting that attacks on officers are not just personal acts but represent a broader challenge to the legal system itself. The DHS has called for a reduction in inflammatory rhetoric from sanctuary city leaders, urging them to support the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel.
As the situation continues to evolve, the DHS is closely monitoring the incidents and has stated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all officers. The agency has also emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in law enforcement, stating that these attacks on ICE officers threaten the very foundation of the nation’s legal order. Overall, the increased number of violent incidents against ICE agents highlights the growing tension and the need for a balanced approach to addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in the current climate.