The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marked Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by expressing gratitude to its federal law enforcement officers. The department highlighted that its officers have experienced significant increases in assaults, vehicular attacks, and death threats in recent years.
According to DHS, there has been a more than 1,300% rise in assaults against officers, a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000% surge in death threats directed at them. Despite these challenges, the department stated that its personnel continue their efforts to apprehend individuals convicted of serious crimes across the country.
Secretary Kristi Noem said: “On this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I want to take a moment to express how thankful I am every single day for the men and women who put on the badge and put their lives on the line to protect the American people. With more than 80,000 officers and agents, our Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the federal government. We recognize the sacrifice you and your families make to protect and serve the American people and our great country. President Trump and I will always stand with you. Please take some time today to thank an officer or agent today. Make them a meal, buy them a cup of coffee, or simply thank them. To every officer who puts on the badge each day: thank you. Your service is paramount to our nation’s safety.”
DHS also reported several arrests made recently involving individuals convicted of serious offenses:
- Angelica Maria Lua-Pinon from Mexico was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 in San Fernando, California.
- Jorge Alberto Olivares-Lagunes from Mexico was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Hays County, Texas.
- Ricardo Garcia-Villegas from Mexico was convicted of murder in Queens, New York.
- Edwin Sanchez-Montiel from El Salvador was convicted as an accessory after the fact relating to first-degree murder in Montgomery County, Maryland.
- Inmar Hernandez-Carcamo from El Salvador was convicted of firearms trafficking conspiracy in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
The department underscored its commitment to supporting law enforcement personnel amid growing risks associated with their duties.
