DHS Reports 830% Spike in Assaults on ICE Officers Amid Escalating Anti-Enforcement Sentiment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported an 830 percent increase in assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from January 21 to July 14, 2025, compared to the same period last year. The surge in attacks is being linked to growing anti-ICE sentiment fueled by political and media rhetoric.

According to DHS, the rise in assaults coincides with an increase in public hostility toward federal immigration enforcement. Officials say ICE agents have come under physical attack, doxxed online, and subjected to harassment both on the job and in their personal lives.

In one recent case, an ICE officer was injured and hospitalized after being targeted by a crowd during a public demonstration. The incident occurred shortly after a member of Congress allegedly exposed the officer’s identity. In another case, a federal lawmaker was indicted after allegedly trespassing at a detention facility and physically assaulting an ICE officer.

Federal officers in Portland have also reported being harassed by local activist groups who have published their photos and home addresses online. One officer’s residence was vandalized with trash and threatening signs.

DHS says much of the violence and harassment stems from misinformation circulating online and in some news reports. One example cited involved false claims that a man died in ICE custody during a child trafficking rescue operation. The man was not in custody and had fallen from a rooftop while attempting to flee.

ICE has also faced accusations of targeting children. DHS clarified that the agency follows legal procedures in such cases, offering detained parents the option to remain with their children or designate a guardian for them.

Officials maintain that ICE officers are continuing to carry out lawful operations, including the removal of individuals with serious criminal records, despite mounting threats to their safety.