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DHS: Assaults on ICE Officers Rise More Than 1,150% — Officials Warn Rhetoric May Be Fueling Violence

DHS reports a more than 1,150% increase in assaults on ICE officers between Jan. 21 and Nov. 21, recording 238 incidents versus 19 in the previous year. Officials say the surge includes assaults, vehicle rammings, gunfire and Molotov attacks, and warn that incendiary rhetoric from some local leaders may be fueling violence. DHS highlighted several violent episodes — including a near-vehicle ramming in Florida, a July 4 ambush at a detention center, and an attempted Molotov attack near Los Angeles — and urged restraint and better protection for officers.

11:45 AM, 11/25/2025Security
DHS: Assaults on ICE Officers Rise More Than 1,150% — Officials Warn Rhetoric May Be Fueling Violence

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported a sharp increase in violent incidents targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, saying assaults rose by more than 1,150% when comparing Jan. 21–Nov. 21 this year with the same period last year. DHS recorded 238 assaults during the interval, up from 19 in the prior year.

"Sanctuary politicians need to tone the rhetoric down before a law enforcement officer is killed," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. "They should be thanking these brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives every single day to arrest pedophiles, rapists, murderers, gang members, and terrorists from our neighborhoods."

In a department statement, DHS described a "dangerously escalating pattern" of attacks that has included hitting, spitting, kicking and biting during arrests, as well as more severe violence such as vehicle ramming, gunfire and Molotov cocktail attacks. DHS emphasized that officers appear to be targeted because of their badges, not only because of specific enforcement actions.

Notable incidents cited by DHS

  • Florida (September): DHS says a man allegedly reversed his vehicle into an ICE agent’s leg during an attempted arrest in Homestead, nearly crushing the officer.
  • Prairieland Detention Center (July 4): Authorities allege an organized ambush in which multiple individuals opened fire on federal officers; a former Marine reservist has been accused of participating.
  • Los Angeles-area hotel (June): A fugitive with a prior criminal history allegedly attempted to attack officers with a Molotov cocktail while ICE and Customs and Border Protection personnel were staying nearby.
  • Other assaults: DHS reported officers being struck with objects (including a metal coffee cup that required 13 stitches for a lip laceration), suffering concussions, and being subjected to throwing of rocks and incendiary devices.

DHS warned that inflammatory public statements from some local leaders in sanctuary jurisdictions could exacerbate tensions and potentially lead to further attacks on federal employees carrying out immigration and public-safety duties. The department framed violence against officers as an attack on the rule of law, and urged calmer public rhetoric and increased protections for personnel.

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