ICE Issues Warning on Federal Felony Prosecution for Attacks on Officers
ICE announced on Tuesday that anyone who attacks its personnel will face serious criminal prosecution. The agency emphasized that this affects every person, irrespective of their immigration status.
Sweeping Terms Sparks Concerns Over Protest Activities
This statement could potentially allow prosecutors to pursue assault charges for behaviors that typically be categorized as non-compliance or peaceful protest. Embedded within the agency announcement was an graphic with the phrase “think before you resist” alongside a clenched fist.
DHS Broadens Meaning of Dangerous Conduct
Kristi Noem previously indicated that “violence” includes recording ICE activities and doxing of officers. This widened interpretation has already led to the arrest of journalists, such as Mario Guevara, who was held for documenting an agency operation.
“Any action endangering [DHS agents] and their security constitutes violence.”
Claims of Rising Attacks Met With Skepticism
DHS claimed that assaults on ICE officers had increased a thousand percent, though when requested specific examples, officials cited incidents such as trash dumped on an officer's property and offensive signs. Notably, the FBI offered a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the capture of an person who was seen shooting a gun during a West Coast operation.
Ongoing Legal Developments Allow Increased Operations
A recent federal decision has removed legal barriers that previously limited ICE power in California, prompting DHS to announce it would “flood the zone” in LA. At the same time, deadly incidents during enforcement actions have persisted, including a recently reported officer-involved incident in Illinois.
Government attorneys have additionally brought criminal complaints against several protesters this calendar year, with some instances involving conduct that traditionally fall under non-violent opposition.
