House Republicans are raising alarms over what they call dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic lawmakers that they say is fueling violent attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, GOP members of Congress drew a direct line between recent assaults on immigration enforcement agents and Democratic criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
“The rise in violent attacks against federal law enforcement is being encouraged by the reckless language of Democratic politicians,” said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif. “We’re seeing the consequences unfold across the country.”
The warnings come as Senate Democrats, including Sens. Alex Padilla of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey, introduced a bill requiring ICE and Border Patrol officers to clearly identify themselves and remove face coverings during operations — a move Republicans argue could further endanger agents.
Tensions escalated further after the shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in New York City. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blamed sanctuary city policies and “Democrat lies” for creating an environment that puts federal officers at risk. A second illegal immigrant, previously detained at the southern border in 2023, has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
“These ICE agents are putting their lives on the line to keep America safe,” said Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga. “Instead of support, they’re being vilified. And when members of Congress use radical rhetoric, the public listens — and sometimes reacts violently.”
Federal officers have faced a string of attacks in recent weeks. ICE agents were ambushed in Texas, and protests outside the Portland, Oregon, ICE facility turned violent over the Fourth of July weekend. The Trump administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement, including mass deportations under his newly passed immigration reform law, has sparked national protests — some of which have escalated into physical confrontations.
Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., criticized Democratic leadership in California for adding fuel to the fire. He pointed to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, who have issued executive orders limiting ICE operations and have spoken out strongly against Trump’s deportation policies.
“In Los Angeles, rhetoric has turned into riots,” Guest said. “When leaders constantly demonize ICE for doing their jobs, violence follows.”
Mayor Bass has called ICE raids “reckless and unconstitutional” and has expanded city programs aimed at protecting immigrant families. Republicans say those policies are not only unlawful but dangerous.
“It’s stunning that some Democrats would rather attack our federal agents than support efforts to remove violent criminals,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa. “Our focus should be on deporting gang members, drug traffickers, and repeat offenders — not tying the hands of law enforcement.”
The Department of Homeland Security says attacks on ICE agents are up nearly 700% since President Trump returned to office, and Republicans argue that only strong public support and accountability for offenders will reverse the trend.
“These agents are doing the hard work of defending our borders,” McClintock said. “Without them, we have no country. It’s time Democrats stopped endangering them with reckless words.”
