The Department of Homeland Security released new data Monday showing a dramatic rise in assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, reporting a more than 1,150% increase compared with the same period last year.
According to DHS, there were 19 reported assaults on ICE law enforcement from January 21 through November 21, 2024. During the same time frame in 2025, officers reported 238 assaults, including incidents involving rocks, Molotov cocktails, vehicle rammings, and physical attacks during arrests. DHS said the increase reflects a growing pattern of violence directed at federal officers.
“After months of Democrat politicians comparing ICE to Nazis, the gestapo, slave patrols, and even encouraging illegal aliens to resist arrest, our brave ICE law enforcement have been assaulted 238 times,” Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said. She added that officers have been shot at, struck with objects, and targeted by drivers attempting to use their vehicles as weapons. “Sanctuary politicians need to tone the rhetoric down before a law enforcement officer is killed.”
DHS released photographs showing officers injured during enforcement operations, including one agent struck in the face with a metal coffee cup, resulting in a laceration requiring 13 stitches, and another who sustained a concussion after being assaulted while taking a fugitive into custody.
DHS officials said the trend reflects “a dangerously escalating pattern” across the department over the last ten months, with officers facing assaults ranging from hitting and kicking to gunfire and improvised incendiary devices. The agency emphasized that the attacks target officers “because of the badge they wear” rather than specific enforcement actions.
Federal officials said ICE will continue operations removing criminal offenders—including those convicted of violent and sexual crimes—and urged public leaders to reduce rhetoric that could contribute to threats or violence against law enforcement.
