On Wednesday, a shooter targeted an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, resulting in the death of one immigrant detainee and injuring two others, according to reports.
The FBI has since indicated that at least one bullet casing found at the scene was marked with an anti-ICE message, pointing to a potential ideological motive behind the attack.
In light of ongoing attacks against ICE, some Democrats have cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric aimed at the agency. The acting director of ICE even urged party members to temper their comments, expressing concern about the risks of targeted violence similar to what occurred on Wednesday.
Here are several statements made by Democrats that have been critical of ICE agents and their enforcement of federal immigration laws:
Gavin Newsom speculates about ICE’s role in voter suppression
In a recent podcast, California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed that President Trump might deploy ICE agents during the upcoming midterm elections to intimidate voters.
“They send in masked individuals to threaten people. Did you think ICE wouldn’t appear near voting locations?” Newsom remarked.
Jennifer Sebel Newsom describes ICE agents as hunters
Following an ICE raid on a California farm, Jennifer Sebel Newsom, the “first partner” of California, claimed that ICE agents are pursuing illegal immigrants like game.
“Families are being targeted, chased through the fields,” she stated, emphasizing the immigrant identity of the nation.
Jasmine Crockett equates ICE agents to “slave patrols”
Recently, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) inflamed discussions by likening ICE agents to historical slave patrols.
“They operate similarly to those patrols of the past,” she said, drawing parallels to historical contexts of policing.
Michelle Wu likens ICE to neo-Nazis
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu compared ICE agents to the neo-Nazi group NSC-131, condemning their actions as reminiscent of extremist groups.
“I can’t say I’ve seen police wearing masks regularly—it’s an alarming visual,” she expressed.
Tim Waltz labels ICE as “Trump’s Gestapo”
Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz described ICE agents as functioning like a secret police reminiscent of Nazi Germany during a recent speech.
“They’re rounding people up off the streets, much like a modern Gestapo,” he asserted.
John Larson urges Americans to rebell against ICE
Rep. John Larson (D-CT) called for resistance against ICE agents, referring to them as “Gestapo.”
“This is a critical moment for Americans to stand up,” he declared.
Hakeem Jeffries threatens to expose ICE agents
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed to identify ICE agents involved in enforcement activities, emphasizing the need for transparency.
“This is not a repressive regime; we deserve to know who these people are,” he commented.
Michelle Wu again criticizes ICE, calling them secret police
In another instance, Mayor Wu referred to ICE agents as Trump’s “secret police,” criticizing the fear they instill in communities.
“People should not live in fear of being taken off the streets,” she said, condemning the agency’s actions.
