The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday issued a stark warning about what it called “dangerous political rhetoric” targeting immigration enforcement agencies in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Officials say inflammatory language is fueling violent attacks on officers, including a surge of more than 1,000% in assaults against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
DHS: Rhetoric Driving Violence Nationwide
“This hateful rhetoric is contributing to political violence in our country and a more than 1,000% increase in assaults against our brave ICE law enforcement,” DHS told Fox News Digital in a statement.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, said the demonization of immigration authorities is “inspiring violence” across the country.
“Following the evil act of political violence in the country and two brutal assaults on our brave ICE law enforcement last week, we are once again calling on the media and the far left to stop the hateful rhetoric directed at President Trump, those who support him, and our brave DHS law enforcement,” McLaughlin said.
She added: “We have to turn down the temperature before someone else is killed.”
The agency pointed to Kirk’s September 10 assassination in Utah and two recent violent incidents involving ICE officers as examples of the escalating threat environment.
Examples of ‘Inflammatory Rhetoric’
DHS cited several recent public comments from Democratic lawmakers and leaders that it said contributed to hostility against immigration enforcement:
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Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas): Told MSNBC that ICE officers are akin to “slave patrols.”
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Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minnesota): Referred to ICE as the “modern-day Gestapo” during a University of Minnesota commencement speech.
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Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Illinois): Said U.S. immigration policies were turning the country into “essentially Nazi Germany” where citizens must carry papers to prove they belong.
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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D): Suggested ICE’s use of masks mirrored far-right extremist groups such as NSC-131, tied to neo-Nazism.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.): Vowed to fight Trump’s immigration agenda “in the streets.”
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Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.): Compared ICE enforcement to the Nazi SS and Gestapo during a press event in August, urging communities to “rise up.”
Surge in Attacks on Federal Officers
Alongside the rhetoric, DHS highlighted a string of violent incidents against immigration enforcement personnel:
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Armed men staked out a Texas facility earlier this year.
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A gunman opened fire at a Border Patrol annex in McAllen, Texas, injuring three before being shot by law enforcement.
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On August 29, a woman in Maine allegedly tried to run over a federal agent with her car during an arrest attempt.
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Multiple other incidents of suspects resisting arrest violently or causing property damage.
“These examples underscore the real-world consequences of inflammatory rhetoric,” DHS said. “This is not just politics—it’s about the safety of officers and the communities they protect.”
Political and Security Fallout
The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has intensified debate over the role of political rhetoric in fueling violence. Former President Donald Trump and Republican leaders have blamed “radical left” elements, while DHS now warns that targeted demonization of immigration officers is worsening the security crisis.
For now, DHS is calling for an immediate reduction in hostile political language toward immigration enforcement agencies, saying failure to do so risks further bloodshed.
