Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
Following a recent rise in assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has called on media outlets, left-leaning groups, and certain public officials to stop rhetoric that DHS says is fueling violence. The department reports a more than 1000% increase in attacks on ICE law enforcement personnel.
“Following the evil act of political violence in the country this week and two brutal assaults on our brave ICE law enforcement last week, we are once again calling on the media and the far left to stop the hateful rhetoric directed at President Trump, those who support him, and our brave DHS law enforcement,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This demonization is inspiring violence across the country. Our ICE officers are facing a more than 1000% increase in assaults against them. We have to turn down the temperature before someone else is killed. This violence must end.”
The statement follows incidents last week where two ICE officers were seriously injured during attempts to arrest suspects—one officer was dragged by a car and another struck by a vehicle. DHS attributes these events, along with other recent attacks and threats against its personnel, to what it describes as inflammatory language from some elected officials and activists.
A list provided by DHS cites remarks from several politicians who have compared ICE agents or their actions to historical or authoritarian groups. The department argues that such statements contribute to hostility toward law enforcement officers.
Recent incidents detailed by DHS include an illegal alien allegedly resisting arrest and injuring an officer with a vehicle; protestors gathering outside an ICE facility with violent displays; bomb threats made against federal facilities; physical assaults on agents during operations; threatening letters sent to offices; property damage; attempted vehicular attacks; shootings at Border Patrol facilities; violent protests at detention centers; targeted attacks during criminal investigations; threats with weapons during arrests; and riots involving projectiles thrown at officers.
DHS maintains that these acts represent a growing threat to its personnel and urges public figures to reconsider their language regarding immigration enforcement activities.
