Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
Criminal organizations in Mexico are reportedly offering financial rewards for attacks on U.S. federal law enforcement officers, according to intelligence obtained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The department stated that these bounties target personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and that the effort involves cooperation with domestic extremist groups.
DHS reports that these criminal networks have directed U.S.-based associates, including street gangs in Chicago, to monitor, harass, and attempt to kill federal agents. Ongoing investigations have revealed that gang members in Chicago neighborhoods such as Pilsen and Little Village have been using spotters on rooftops. These individuals, reportedly linked to groups like the Latin Kings, are equipped with firearms and radios to track the movements of ICE and CBP officers and relay information in real time. This surveillance has reportedly led to ambushes and disruptions during enforcement operations, including those under Operation Midway Blitz.
The department describes a tiered bounty system established by cartels, offering $2,000 for intelligence gathering or doxxing agents, $5,000–$10,000 for kidnapping or non-lethal assaults on officers, and up to $50,000 for the assassination of high-ranking officials.
In addition, DHS says that Antifa groups in cities such as Portland and Chicago have provided logistical support for these efforts, including pre-staged protest supplies, doxxing of agent identities, and interference during enforcement actions.
“These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law, they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Our agents are facing ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats, all because they dare to enforce the laws passed by Congress. We will not back down from these threats, and every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will face American justice.”
DHS emphasized that it will continue its enforcement efforts despite these threats. The department called on leaders in sanctuary states and localities to end policies that it says embolden criminal activity. DHS is urging the public to report any suspicious activity, including rooftop surveillance or organized protests that interfere with federal operations, by contacting the DHS Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE website.
