Assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have increased by 1,649% in the first year and a half of the Trump administration, according to data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin attributed the surge in violence to "sanctuary politicians" and their opposition to federal immigration enforcement efforts.
The DHS reported 647 assaults against ICE personnel from Jan. 20, 2025, through Sept. 20, 2026. This stands in contrast to 37 assaults recorded during the same timeframe under the previous administration, from Jan. 20, 2021, to Sept. 20, 2022. The agency cited incidents involving thrown objects, physical altercations, and firearms discharges directed at officers during enforcement operations.
What the Left Is Saying
Critics of the administration's immigration policies, including several Democratic lawmakers, have described ICE's enforcement tactics as aggressive and harmful to communities. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, compared the agency to "slave patrols" that were "disappearing people based on their skin color." Other Democratic representatives have likened ICE to "the SS" and "the Gestapo," referencing historical instruments of state terror.
Democratic officials argue that the increase in assaults reflects a broader backlash against the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, which has targeted individuals with criminal records and final removal orders. Some members of Congress have called for the abolition of the agency, while others have demanded the closure of specific detention centers, citing allegations of poor conditions and excessive force. Critics contend that the political rhetoric from the White House and DHS has escalated tensions, leading to increased hostility toward federal agents.
What the Right Is Saying
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that ICE officers are "under attack every single day" while enforcing laws mandated by Congress. "The brave men and women of ICE, who are simply enforcing the laws mandated by Congress and protecting the American people, are under attack every single day," Mullin said. He argued that since President Trump empowered ICE to carry out its duties, assaults have risen significantly.
Mullin blamed "vicious lies" spread by "sanctuary politicians and their foot soldiers" for inciting violence. He accused these politicians of putting the needs of illegal immigrants ahead of the safety of American citizens and federal law enforcement. The DHS noted that many of those arrested by ICE have criminal convictions for serious offenses, including murder, child sex crimes, terrorism, and drug trafficking. Mullin called on sanctuary jurisdictions to stop attacking federal law enforcement and to cooperate with DHS to ensure public safety.
What the Numbers Show
According to DHS data, there were 647 assaults against ICE personnel from Jan. 20, 2025, through Sept. 20, 2026, compared to 37 in the corresponding period from Jan. 20, 2021, to Sept. 20, 2022. This represents a 1,649% increase. Specific incidents cited by the agency include a July 2025 shooting at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where a law enforcement officer was wounded; eight suspects were later sentenced to prison terms ranging from 30 to 100 years. In June 2025, an ICE agent in Bellevue, Nebraska, sustained serious injuries after being slammed to the pavement by a suspect charged with attempted murder. Additionally, in October 2025, a man in Dallas, Texas, was arrested for allegedly posting a video soliciting the murder of ICE personnel. Another individual in Portland was sentenced to 30 months in prison for throwing a rock at an officer during a protest.
The Bottom Line
The sharp rise in assaults against ICE officers has intensified the debate over immigration enforcement policies and the role of sanctuary jurisdictions. The Trump administration is considering withholding federal funding from sanctuary cities, a move that could further strain relationships between local and federal authorities. As political rhetoric on both sides remains heated, the focus for policymakers will likely shift to balancing public safety concerns with the operational challenges faced by federal immigration agents. The implementation of potential funding restrictions and the ongoing legal and political battles over detention centers will be key developments to watch in the coming months.