Increase in Attacks on DHS Vehicles
Since President Trump’s administration began, over 180 vehicles belonging to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have faced attacks, as reported on Tuesday. These incidents are linked to violent protests in cities led by Democratic leaders, mainly focused on mass deportations.
DHS officials shared alarming statistics: there were 182 reported attacks on vehicles associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—a stark rise from just 53 the year prior.
A range of aggressive actions have been documented, including slashed tires, ramming of vehicles, and even attempts to harm DHS personnel. Some of the individuals involved in these attacks remain unidentified and at large.
The DHS holds Democratic officials in “sanctuary” cities accountable, claiming they facilitate such violence by not cooperating with federal immigration efforts.
For instance, in Chicago, agitators pursued a Border Patrol vehicle, ramming into it and breaking its rear window. These attackers also tried to breach an FBI facility but were later arrested on charges related to a previous assault.
In December, a separate incident occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota, where an illegal immigrant from Cuba assaulted two ICE agents while trying to flee from the scene. Juan Carlos Rodríguez Romero was apprehended after injuring two police officers during the altercation.
This individual entered the U.S. in 2024 through a program designed under the Biden administration that has reportedly expedited entry for many Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan immigrants.
In another Chicago incident last October, members of the Latin Kings gang attacked Border Patrol officers during coordinated vehicle assaults. These individuals were eventually taken into custody.
Furthermore, a Mexican individual, previously evading capture, attempted to hit an ICE officer with a vehicle in Los Angeles during this same period.
In Florida, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala injured a federal agent by running over his foot while trying to escape, eventually colliding with a utility vehicle. The authorities arrested him and three other accomplices on site.
After his arrest, Carlito Ricardo Parias suffered gunshot wounds but was treated at the scene. Meanwhile, several suspects from a violent Venezuelan gang also attacked DHS vehicles during operations in late 2025 and early 2026.
One Venezuelan national attempted to crash a police vehicle into a tree before being captured.
Another case involves Luis David Nico Moncada, who was previously arrested for drunk driving and was later shot and killed while allegedly threatening a Border Patrol agent with his vehicle in Portland, Oregon.
New statistics indicate that at least 68 vehicle attacks targeting ICE have occurred since January 21 of last year, up significantly from just two noted the previous year—an increase of about 3,300% in such incidents.
From the start of President Trump’s term to January 24, 2026, CBP faced 114 vehicle attacks, marking a 124% rise from the 51 reported the year prior.
DHS attributed the surge in violence to statements made by Democratic politicians in “sanctuary” jurisdictions, likening ICE to oppressive historical entities and encouraging illegal immigrants to avoid apprehension. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that these politicians have incited violence against law enforcement.
Statistics also reveal a troubling rise in assaults and threats against law enforcement officers, reflecting a significant escalation in the dangerous climate they face.
In Minneapolis, under Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey, a commitment to not enforcing federal immigration laws was publicly stated. Recently, DHS agents shot two individuals who allegedly interfered with their operations.
Among the deceased was Alex Pretti, who had been previously recorded vandalizing an ICE vehicle. Both he and a woman, Renee Good, were shot while attempting to obstruct immigration enforcement, and these incidents are currently under federal scrutiny.
