ICE Officer Seriously Injured, Threats Against Agents Surge, Homeland Security Warns
DALLAS, TX – A recent surge in attacks targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and facilities has prompted heightened security measures and warnings from Homeland Security officials. The escalation follows an incident in Dallas where an ICE officer was seriously injured by a detainee, and comes amid reports of bounties being placed on the heads of federal law enforcement.
On October 1, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly issued an intelligence bulletin warning of escalating violence from “domestic violent extremists” against ICE facilities and personnel. The bulletin detailed pre-planned violent strikes in at least three states as june, including a rooftop shooting in Dallas on October 1st that wounded several detainees. Authorities recovered an unused shell casing at the scene inscribed with “ANTI-ICE,” leading them to believe the shooting was ideologically motivated.
The Dallas ICE facility was previously targeted with a bomb threat in August, resulting in the arrest of a man claiming to carry explosives.In September, a gunman opened fire from a rooftop into a secure sally port at the facility, killing one detainee and critically injuring two others before dying by suicide.
“Every single ICE officer has someone who loves them – a family member, someone who cares that they come home at night,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated during a press conference in Gary, Indiana, last week, calling the recent attacks “unacceptable.”
Federal officials are also investigating threats beyond direct attacks on facilities. According to DHS Special Agent in Charge James Bovino, transnational criminal groups have placed bounties on federal officers. “The Latin Kings here in Chicago put a bounty out on the heads of federal law enforcement,” Bovino said. “Don’t put a bounty on our heads – we’re going to come after yours.”
The DHS has established a tip line (866-DHS-2-ICE) and an online portal for reporting harassment, threats, or doxing.
The increased threats are occurring as federal agents face scrutiny over tactics used during operations in urban areas.A federal judge in chicago is currently considering a preliminary injunction regarding tactics employed during “Operation Midway Blitz,” including allegations of excessive force against protesters,journalists,and clergy.
