DHS Secretary Discusses Threats from Cartels and Extremist Groups
On Wednesday, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem highlighted the alarming trend of Mexican cartels and domestic extremist groups placing bounties on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. This comes amid a rise in ambush-style attacks against these officers.
The DHS reported that street gangs in Chicago, such as the Latin Kings, are utilizing armed “spotters” on rooftops and employing radios to monitor the movements of agents in real time. This coordinated surveillance has resulted in ambushes during recent raids and enforcement actions.
Noem noted that she and former President Donald Trump’s administration have made significant strides in dismantling cartel operations within the United States, where these criminal organizations are now issuing bounties on agents’ heads.
According to DHS, the cartel operates a tiered reward system. They offer $2,000 for information or leaks concerning agents, including personal data like photos and family details. For kidnappings or other non-lethal assaults, the bounty ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, while high-ranking officials are targeted with rewards of up to $50,000 for assassination.
Noem stated, “Their campaign of terror against the brave men and women defending our homeland will be crushed, and cartel members will surrender.” She emphasized that law enforcement across the nation supports her and President Trump in this fight.
Additionally, the DHS mentioned operations in cities like Portland and Chicago, claiming Antifa-aligned groups facilitated these efforts by providing protestors, revealing identities of operatives, and interfering with attempts to capture suspects linked to the cartels.
“These criminal networks are not just rejecting law; they are engaging in organized terror against our border and community protectors,” Noem remarked. “Our agents face ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats simply for enforcing the laws that Congress has established. We will not yield to these threats. Every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will confront American justice.”
The DHS called on state and local authorities to eliminate policies that “empower criminals,” like those that protect sanctuary cities, urging the public to report any suspicious activities to federal agencies.
