Source: Fox News
Summary
Assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have increased by 1,649% under the Trump administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security. From Jan. 20, 2025, to Sept. 20, 2026, there were 647 assaults, compared to 37 under the Biden administration from Jan. 20, 2021, to Sept. 20, 2022. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin attributed the rise to opposition to ICE enforcement and “vicious lies” spread by sanctuary politicians. Some Democratic lawmakers have criticized ICE, with some comparing the agency to “domestic terrorists” and “the SS.” Anti-ICE protests have included threats, weapon brandishing, and physical attacks.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
DHS Secretary Mullin speaks of attacks on ICE.
Sanctuary politicians are blamed for the unrest.
Lawmakers compare ICE to historical terror forces.
Protesters throw rocks, brandish weapons, and attack officers.
Author: Evan Null
Assaults Against ICE Officers
Assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have increased by 1,649% under the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security reported 647 assaults from Jan. 20, 2025, to Sept. 20, 2026, compared to 37 under the Biden administration from Jan. 20, 2021, to Sept. 20, 2022. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the rise is due to opposition to ICE enforcement and “vicious lies” spread by sanctuary politicians.
Political Blame and Rhetoric
Mullin blamed “sanctuary politicians” and their supporters for the backlash against ICE. He called on them to stop attacking federal law enforcement and to prioritize American safety. Some Democratic lawmakers have criticized ICE, with some comparing the agency to “domestic terrorists” and “the SS.” Rep. Jasmine Crockett likened ICE to “slave patrols” that targeted people based on skin color.
Protests and Violence
Anti-ICE protests have included threats, weapon brandishing, and physical attacks. In October 2025, Eduardo Aguilar, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was arrested after allegedly posting a video on TikTok soliciting the murder of ICE personnel. In July 2025, a group of anti-ICE protesters opened fire on officers at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, wounding a law enforcement officer.
Legal Consequences
Eight suspects in the Prairieland Detention Center attack were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 30 to 100 years. Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, was charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking an ICE agent in Nebraska. A Portland man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for throwing a rock at an ICE officer during a protest.
Sanctuary Policies and Tensions
Many Democratic-run jurisdictions have strengthened their sanctuary policies to prevent cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. DHS has revealed plans to withhold funding from sanctuary cities. The backlash against ICE has intensified as the Trump administration targets illegal immigrants with criminal records and those with final removal orders.
