Federal law enforcement officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have experienced a significant increase in vehicle ramming attacks this year. According to the Department of Homeland Security, there have been nearly 100 such incidents since January 20, more than double the number reported during the same period last year.
Officials attribute the rise in these attacks to what they describe as hostile rhetoric from certain politicians, activists, and media outlets. “We are seeing the results of the Left’s constant demonization of the men and women of law enforcement. Dangerous criminals – whether they be illegal aliens or U.S. citizens – are turning their vehicles into weapons to attack ICE and CBP,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Still, the brave men and women of DHS will not be deterred and will continue arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Anyone who attacks law enforcement, especially using their vehicles, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Data provided by DHS shows that since January 20, there have been 99 vehicle attacks against federal law enforcement personnel. This figure is more than twice as high as last year’s count for the same time frame, which stood at 47.
CBP has seen 71 vehicular assaults since January 20, marking a 58% increase from last year’s total of 45 over this period. ICE has experienced an even sharper rise: 28 vehicular attacks compared to just two during this stretch in 2024—a jump described as a 1,300% increase.
Recent incidents cited by DHS include:
- On November 13 in Adelphi, Maryland, Ever Gabriel Alvarez-Campos allegedly rammed his car into an ICE vehicle before fleeing; he was later apprehended.
- On November 8 in Chicago, Border Patrol agents encountered four separate vehicular ramming attempts during immigration operations; four suspects were arrested.
- On October 22 in Chicago, three different vehicle attacks occurred against law enforcement on one day; some suspects had prior criminal records.
- On October 14 in Chicago, a suspect rammed CBP vehicles while trying to escape but was stopped using authorized tactics; two Venezuelan nationals were arrested for assault on federal agents.
- On October 2 in Illinois (Bensenville and Norridge), ICE officers faced two separate vehicular assaults involving suspects who were subsequently arrested.
- On September 14 in Homestead, Florida, an ICE officer was injured when a driver reversed into him during a traffic stop before colliding with other vehicles; four individuals were taken into custody.
DHS officials state that these incidents pose risks not only to officers but also to public safety.
