NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has raised serious concerns about a sharp increase in violent threats and attacks targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Speaking on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Noem described the current environment facing ICE agents as “unprecedented” and attributed much of the hostility to inflammatory rhetoric coming from Democratic leaders.
“Some of these Democrat leaders in some of these communities and states are really, really elevating the emotion out there and lying, and putting these officers’ lives in jeopardy,” Noem said Thursday. “They are just upholding the rule of law. … It really is unprecedented, this environment that we’re in.”
Noem’s comments follow a violent incident that occurred on Independence Day in Alvarado, Texas, where a group of heavily armed individuals used fireworks and graffiti to ambush ICE officers outside a migrant facility. The assailants spray-painted derogatory terms such as “traitor” and “ICE pig” on the officers’ vehicles before opening fire. A local police officer was struck in the neck but is expected to recover.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, assaults on ICE officers have surged nearly 700% compared to the previous year. Noem called this alarming spike “a dangerous situation” and stressed the importance of protecting law enforcement personnel carrying out immigration enforcement duties.
Tensions surrounding immigration policy have escalated significantly in recent months, fueled by opposition from some city and state officials who resist federal efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. Last month, anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles escalated into riots, reflecting deep divisions over immigration enforcement practices.
Noem emphasized that the hostile political rhetoric aimed at ICE agents has real-world consequences. She shared her personal sense of responsibility to protect officers and acknowledged the “heavy weight” of ensuring their safety. “I think about it every day, every word that comes out of my mouth. I think, how can I protect these officers so they can do their jobs?” she said.
Adding to the risks faced by ICE personnel, Noem highlighted the existence of websites that publicly expose the identities of ICE agents, despite efforts by officers to conceal their faces for security reasons. She condemned these actions, noting that such exposure has led to direct threats, including threats to kidnap agents’ families.
“They’re talking about kidnapping their families. They’re going after their colleagues,” she said. “It’s extremely dangerous, and the rhetoric has to stop.”
Despite the hostile environment, Noem reaffirmed her support for ICE’s mission, emphasizing the agency’s role in protecting vulnerable populations, including tracking down thousands of missing migrant children who were exploited after entering the U.S. through previous sponsorship programs.
“These ICE officers are patriots,” she stated. “They’re going out every day and making our streets safer.”
In closing, Noem called on the public to show solidarity with ICE officers during this challenging period. “If you know a law enforcement officer, go today and thank them. Cook their family a meal, go support them, and go talk about it on social media or go have their backs,” she urged.
As ICE agents continue to face increasing threats, Noem’s remarks spotlight the complexities and dangers inherent in enforcing immigration laws amid a politically charged atmosphere.
PLAY:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5adtcLz3fc4
