It’s Time to Hold Politicians Accountable for Anti-Law Enforcement Rhetoric

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agents are sworn federal officers tasked with upholding the immigration laws passed by Congress. They do not make policy — they enforce it. Yet, increasingly, they are vilified by activists, demonized by media pundits, and undermined by radical politicians who have traded law and order for virtue signaling and political gain.

If people are upset about immigration enforcement, their outrage should be directed where it belongs: Congress, the legislative body responsible for writing the laws that I.C.E. enforces. Instead, far too many choose to target the men and women whose job is to carry out those laws, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances.

The reality is, politicians like Governor Gavin Newsom (CA), Governor J.B. Pritzker (IL), and Mayor Karen Bass (Los Angeles) have been complicit in fueling hostility toward federal law enforcement. They champion “sanctuary” policies that obstruct cooperation with federal agencies and then use inflammatory rhetoric to stir public sentiment against the very people working to keep our nation secure. These leaders are not just wrong — they are dangerously irresponsible, and their words are placing lives at risk.

The consequences are real. According to a report by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, violence against federal officers, including I.C.E. agents, has surged by over 600% in recent years, driven largely by targeted harassment and attacks during protests and operations. The National ICE Council, which represents over 7,600 ICE officers and support staff, has raised alarm about the increasing hostility and lack of political support.

We are approaching a flashpoint. At some point, an I.C.E. agent is going to be seriously wounded or killed — or, tragically, an I.C.E. agent may be forced to respond with deadly force to protect themselves, potentially harming a protester or, worse, an innocent bystander caught in the chaos politicians helped create. The blood will not be on the hands of law enforcement. It will be on the hands of those who embolden lawlessness.

Let’s be clear: no city or state official has the legal right to defy federal law. Under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal law takes precedence over state and local statutes. When mayors and governors actively interfere with immigration enforcement, whether by refusing to honor detainers, shielding criminal aliens, or prohibiting police from cooperating with federal agencies, they are obstructing justice. And obstruction of federal law enforcement is a federal crime.

It is time for law enforcement to take action. Federal prosecutors and the Department of Justice must hold these elected officials accountable. If that means arresting a mayor or a governor for obstructing federal law, then so be it. No one is above the law, not even a politician with a press team.

Furthermore, the Democratic Party’s refusal to condemn violence against law enforcement is disqualifying. You cannot claim to support public safety while staying silent as officers are assaulted, doxxed, and demonized. Any political party that turns a blind eye to violence against federal agents should never again be entrusted with the reins of government.

I.C.E. agents are Americans. They are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. They have every right to go home safely at the end of the day. They deserve support, not scorn. They deserve justice, not persecution. And most importantly, they deserve leaders with the backbone to stand with them — not against them.

If the law is wrong, change the law. Until then, let the people who enforce it do their jobs in peace.