A federal special agent working on deportations has criticized a ‘dangerous’ trend of Democratic politicians and candidates using anti-ICE protests as campaign props, especially after a deadly gunman attacked an ICE facility in Dallas. The agent warned that such rhetoric and protests pose significant risks to law enforcement, immigrants, and the public.
The incident in Dallas involved Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old gunman who entered the ICE facility with anti-ICE messages and fired indiscriminately, resulting in casualties. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and President Donald Trump have urged Democrats to moderate their anti-ICE rhetoric following the attack. However, Democrats have increasingly criticized ICE agents for racial profiling and terrorizing communities, with some even attempting to interfere with ICE operations.
Recent examples include Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, who posted a video of herself and protesters being forcibly removed from an ICE vehicle during a protest. ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Abughazaleh’s behavior as reckless and a publicity stunt that puts law enforcement and public safety at risk.
Similarly, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander staged a sit-in protest at an ICE facility, attempting to force entry into the site and holding cells. ICE officials reported the need to secure doors and increase security measures on the premises. These incidents, along with the Dallas shooting, have highlighted growing tensions between ICE agents and protesters in liberal jurisdictions.
The special agent remarked on the challenges faced by law enforcement in such situations, stating that the stress of dealing with aggressive protesters and hostile environments can be extremely dangerous. The agent also stressed that ICE agents are simply enforcing laws passed by elected officials, asking, ‘What other laws do they not want to enforce?’ This underscores a broader debate over the role of law enforcement and the political nature of immigration enforcement.