Threats to ICE Agents on the Rise

Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), mentioned on Monday that his agents are experiencing increasing threats from drug cartels.

Recent events in facilities across Chicago, Oregon, and Portland have seen riots erupt against ICE operations aimed at addressing illegal immigration. Lyons reacted to reports indicating that Chicago police had been directed not to collaborate with ICE agents who faced an ambush on Saturday.

“It’s unfortunate. All law enforcement agencies should support each other in times of need,” Lyons stated. “But that didn’t happen here in Chicago. They were under attack—30 or 40 Border Patrol agents were swarmed. There was a firearm involved, which compelled them to return fire, yet Chicago officers were told to hold back.”

“The situation in Illinois is troubling. Other federal officials are facing attacks, but local law enforcement is hesitant to support them due to political views on immigration enforcement,” he continued.

During the riots, some groups in Chicago demanded the arrest or shooting of ICE agents, as shown in a video shared online.

“According to the Secretary of Homeland Security, are there any rewards for your officers at this point?” asked Lawrence Jones, co-host of “Fox and Friends.”

“Yes, in certain cases, though we can’t disclose specifics because of ongoing criminal intelligence,” Lyons replied.

A shooting incident at the ICE office in Dallas on September 24th resulted in two fatalities, with the shooter taking his own life. In Texas, individuals have been charged with attempted murder related to a shooting incident at a Border Guard facility since July 4th.

“Every day, the men and women of ICE carry out their responsibilities under the law established by Congress. This is our mission, and we’ve been committed to it for decades. Right now, ICE personnel are facing threats from some of the most extreme leftist groups,” Lyons emphasized.