House Republicans are advancing legislation to impose harsher penalties on individuals convicted of assaulting or impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, as reported by Fox News Digital. The measure, known as the ‘Protect and Respect ICE Act,’ was introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, and supported by Reps. Brad Knott, R-N.C., and Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn. This bill seeks to double the maximum prison sentence and fines for those found guilty of such crimes, a move that has drawn criticism from Democrats and progressive groups who argue that it is an overreach.
A report by the Department of Homeland Security indicates that ICE officials have faced an 830% increase in assaults during the period from late January to mid-July compared to the same period in 2024. Rep. Hinson’s spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the legislation aims to deter violent actions by anti-ICE protesters. She linked the surge in attacks to progressive activists, stating, ‘Instead of standing with law enforcement, the radical Left sides with dangerous illegal aliens and even wants to strip ICE agents of the gear that keeps them safe. That’s unacceptable.’
Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration have already increased resources for ICE since regaining control of the federal government earlier this year. President Donald Trump has also ordered ICE-led raids in major U.S. cities, which have sparked backlash from Democrats and progressive groups. Chicago is reportedly the latest city preparing for an ICE crackdown, along with a deployment of National Guard troops. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritz, both critics of federal overreach, has signed an executive order prohibiting Chicago police from cooperating with ‘any unlawful or unconstitutional actions undertaken by federal law enforcement or U.S. Armed Forces within the City of Chicago.’
The surge in attacks on ICE agents has intensified the partisan divide over immigration and crime enforcement. While the Trump administration views these operations as a necessary tool for maintaining border security, opponents argue that the methods employed are excessive and disproportionately affect communities already marginalized by policy implementations. The situation highlights broader tensions in U.S. politics, where law enforcement actions and their implications continue to be significant points of contention.