Increased Threats Against ICE Personnel Amid Rising Extremist Activities
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI have recently issued a joint intelligence bulletin highlighting a surge in attacks targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and facilities. According to the bulletin, these assaults are being carried out by domestic violent extremists responding to immigration enforcement activities, raising significant concerns for law enforcement nationwide.
Recent Violent Attacks on ICE
Since June, extremists in at least three states have engaged in planned, violent attacks against ICE personnel and facilities. The memo describes these incidents as an evolution in tactics, marking a notable escalation in violence compared to earlier attacks that primarily caused property damage. The alarming trend indicates a growing risk for ICE agents amid rising immigration arrests under the current administration.
High-Profile Incidents
One of the most recent attacks involved Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old who fired upon ICE transport vehicles from the roof of a building in Dallas. This shocking incident resulted in injuries to three detainees, one of whom died instantly, and another succumbed to injuries shortly after. Jahn’s prior surveillance of the facility highlighted a disturbing level of planning that enabled these targeted assaults.
Indications of Coordinated Extremism
The bulletin also references a Fourth of July attack on the ICE Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where a shooter opened fire on local law enforcement from a concealed position. Investigators reported that the group responsible for this attack utilized an encrypted communication platform for pre-operational planning, showcasing the organized nature of these extremist activities. As of September 2025, 20 individuals have been arrested in connection with this attack.
Protests and Violence
Additionally, various unplanned violent acts have unfolded during lawful protests, particularly in California and Oregon. Small groups of domestic violent extremists have reportedly exploited these gatherings to target ICE facilities, causing damage and confronting law enforcement. As described in the bulletin, these actions further illustrate the complex landscape of political activism intertwined with violent extremism.
Calls for Vigilance
In light of these threats, the bulletin advises state and local law enforcement to remain vigilant against domestic violent extremist incidents targeting ICE personnel or facilities. The FBI and DHS classify domestic violent extremists as individuals operating primarily within the U.S. who seek to achieve political goals through unlawful acts of force or violence.
Legal and Political Context
The Trump administration has responded to these rising threats by ramping up security measures around ICE facilities, including the potential deployment of military personnel in cities like Portland and Chicago. Local officials have voiced strong opposition to these plans, arguing that such actions sow fear among communities. The federal agencies continue to investigate organized political violence and domestic terrorism, working to identify and mitigate risks effectively.
Conclusion
As the dynamics of immigration enforcement evolve, so too does the landscape of threats against those enforcing these laws. The increased risk of attacks on ICE personnel emphasizes the need for robust, coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to safeguard individuals and facilities involved in immigration enforcement. Understanding the motivations and methods of domestic violent extremists is essential to address these threats effectively.
