The White House is urging congressional Democrats to tone down their rhetoric toward U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents after a gunman opened fire on Border Patrol personnel at an annex facility in McAllen, Texas, on Monday.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says assaults against ICE and other federal immigration officers have jumped nearly 700% compared to this time last year, raising alarms among law enforcement and administration officials.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue during a briefing Monday, specifically calling on lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to meet with agents face-to-face.
“We’re calling on Democrats to lower the temperature when it comes to their language about ICE and Border Patrol agents—these are everyday Americans doing difficult work to uphold the law,” Leavitt said. “I’d encourage AOC and others to actually meet with these agents, who risk their lives daily and deserve respect and dignity.”
A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The appeal comes just hours after a violent encounter in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where a shooter opened fire on Border Patrol agents and local police. DHS confirmed the suspect was killed at the scene, while two officers and a Border Patrol employee were injured, including one shot in the knee. The FBI is leading the ongoing investigation.
Just days earlier, a Texas officer was also shot near ICE’s Prairieland Detention Facility, further intensifying concerns about escalating threats to immigration officials.
Meanwhile, progressive lawmakers have continued their sharp criticism of immigration enforcement agencies. In June, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) called ICE a “terrorist force,” a remark that drew swift backlash from the White House and calls for an apology.
Jayapal stood by her comments in a CNN interview last week.
“What is outrageous is seeing ICE agents—if they are indeed ICE—showing up without identification, in masks and plain clothes, detaining people off the streets. That’s not how law enforcement should operate in a democratic society,” she said.
The White House has not backed down from its call for accountability, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse while law enforcement officers face rising threats in the line of duty.
For tips or information about the recent attacks, authorities urge the public to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.
