Sen. Eric Schmitt warned that public hostility toward ICE and tolerance for obstructive protest tactics risk creating a "powder keg," citing what he described as a sharp rise in assaults on ICE officers. His comments came during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about the Trump administration's National Guard deployments to protect federal personnel and property. Schmitt alleged Antifa operates as a decentralized network intent on harming ICE agents, a claim he presented as his assessment. Gen. Gregory Guillot confirmed that many of the tactics Schmitt described were observed when Title 10 forces were sent to Los Angeles.
Senator Warns Public Support For Anti‑ICE Protests Could Ignite A 'Powder Keg'
Federal agents, including members of the Department of Homeland Security, the Border Patrol and police, clash with protesters outside a downtown U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Oct. 4, 2025, in Portland, Oregon.
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R‑Mo.) warned lawmakers Thursday that growing public hostility toward Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and tolerance for obstructive protest tactics risk turning tensions into a "powder keg." Schmitt made the remarks during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee examining the Trump administration’s use of National Guard troops across the country.
Hearing Focuses On Guard Deployments And Threats To Federal Personnel
Schmitt said there has been what he characterized as a dramatic increase in assaults on ICE officers and argued that rhetoric which "villainizes" law‑enforcement personnel can encourage attacks. He framed the National Guard deployments as a lawful response to protect federal assets and personnel.
National Guard soldiers block protesters during an ICE immigration operation at a cannabis farm on July 10, 2025, near Camarillo, Calif.
"You've seen a 1,000% increase in assaults on ICE officers," Schmitt said, adding: "This rhetoric is making it open season on law enforcement. And it is incredibly dangerous."
He warned that tolerating protesters who block enforcement actions or attempt to lure agents into ambushes increases the risk of violence and harms both officers and the communities they serve. Schmitt also expressed appreciation for the service members and guardsmen protecting federal personnel and property.
Earlier in the hearing Schmitt referenced confrontations in Los Angeles and Portland and alleged that Antifa operates as a decentralized network with global support; he characterized that group as seeking to harm ICE agents. That claim reflects Schmitt's view and was presented at the hearing as his assessment.
Federal law enforcement were captured on video firing pepper balls at anti-ICE protesters in Broadview, Ill., on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. The protesters, at right, are seen trying to block vehicles from leaving the ICE facility.
"The fact is, this is a network decentralized that has safe houses and financing across the world ... who wants to do harm to ICE agents," Schmitt said, urging colleagues to "stand back and let ICE do their jobs."
Schmitt asked Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, to describe tactics reportedly used against federal agents. Gen. Guillot responded that many of the techniques Schmitt described were observed when Title 10 forces were deployed to Los Angeles to protect federal activities, including ICE operations.
Gen. Guillot: "Senator, you just described many of the tactics that were being used when Title 10 forces were directed into Los Angeles to protect federal activities, to include ICE, conduct of their duties."
The hearing underscored sharp partisan differences over immigration enforcement, the characterization of protesters, and the scope and authority for using National Guard personnel to protect federal operations.
