Nearly a dozen individuals have been charged following an attack on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4. The attackers, equipped with tactical gear and weapons, injured a local law enforcement officer who is expected to recover.
“This escalation in violence is incomprehensible, and those responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” stated acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. He emphasized concerns over disinformation and politically-motivated rhetoric contributing to such incidents. Lyons expressed gratitude for the response from the Alvarado Police Department and confirmed that the injured officer has been discharged from the hospital.
The attack aimed to vandalize the facility and disrupt its operations, occurring shortly before another incident where an armed activist shot a U.S. Border Patrol official in McAllen, Texas.
The FBI has apprehended 10 out of 11 suspects involved in the attack. According to Johnson County Sheriff, these individuals face charges including terrorism and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer. One suspect remains at large.
“I am relieved to hear that the officer who was shot is expected to recover from the injuries sustained,” said acting ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office Director Josh Johnson during a press conference on July 7. He noted that no employees at ICE facilities were harmed during this incident.
ICE officials report a significant increase in assaults as activists continue to challenge operations under the guise of immigrant advocacy. An earlier incident on July 2 involved an individual ramming an ICE vehicle with his car in Linda Vista, California, followed by three activists attacking agents.
The Department of Homeland Security has committed to pursuing criminal charges against anyone obstructing ICE operations or assaulting federal law enforcement officers.
Crimes or suspicious activities can be reported by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or through their online tip form.
Further information about ICE’s public safety mission can be found on X at @ICEgov.
