U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released a series of statements on January 8, 2026, outlining recent developments in its operations and addressing the challenges faced by its personnel. The agency provided statistics on deportations, reaffirmed its ongoing presence in Minnesota, and reported a significant rise in attacks against its officers.
In a post published at 17:23 UTC, ICE stated: "2 million self-deported. 650,000 detained and deported. @DHSgov's work is only getting started."
Later that day, at 18:05 UTC, the agency addressed concerns about its regional operations with the message: "ICE has been in Minnesota since our agency's inception — we aren't going anywhere."
By the evening, ICE drew attention to an increase in violence directed at its staff. At 21:07 UTC, the agency posted: "Car attacks on our brave ICE officers and agents are up OVER 3,200% since last year. Attacks on ICE are up over 1,300%. Violent rhetoric and radical left sanctuary city policies only embolden these dangerous actions, putting our ICE officers and agents at greater risk and"
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and ensuring public safety across the United States. The agency’s activities have frequently been at the center of national debates regarding immigration enforcement practices and policies related to sanctuary cities.
Sanctuary city policies generally limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities; these measures have been supported by some local governments but criticized by others who argue they may impede law enforcement efforts or contribute to increased risks for federal officers.
