Recent incidents, including a shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, on September 24, 2025, have renewed focus on rhetoric targeting the agency and its potential links to violence. The attack left one detainee dead and two injured, with authorities recovering anti-ICE messaging at the scene. Below are ten examples of anti-ICE statements from public figures, along with associated violent events where available. These instances highlight a pattern of heightened language coinciding with attacks on ICE facilities or personnel.
- Rep. Jasmine Crockett: Compared ICE to “slave patrols.” This statement contributed to a broader narrative of dehumanization, aligning with the anti-ICE messaging found at the Dallas shooting scene on September 24, 2025.
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: Called ICE law enforcement the “modern-day Gestapo.” The rhetoric echoed in incidents like the July 2019 Tacoma, Washington, attack on an ICE detention center, where the perpetrator cited similar language in a manifesto before firebombing the facility.
- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker: Claimed the United States is “essentially” becoming Nazi Germany due to ICE’s efforts. Such statements have been linked to increased hostility, as seen in the August 2019 San Antonio, Texas, ICE office drive-by shooting, which injured no one but damaged vehicles.
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu: Compared ICE to a neo-Nazi group. This type of language has coincided with threats, including the June 2019 Portland, Oregon, ICE office protest where demonstrators occupied the building, leading to arrests for disorderly conduct.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: Called for people to “fight” President Trump’s agenda “in the streets.” This call was associated with heightened tensions during the 2019 protests at ICE facilities nationwide, including a violent demonstration in Rhode Island where a corrections officer was assaulted.
- Rep. Pramila Jayapal: Called ICE agents “deranged” and said it is “inspiring” to obstruct immigration enforcement. Her comments aligned with the July 2019 Tacoma attack, where the assailant expressed anti-ICE sentiments before attempting to firebomb vehicles.
- Rep. Dan Goldman: Compared ICE to the “secret police.” Such characterizations have been cited in incidents like the September 2025 Dallas shooting, where the perpetrator’s materials included similar anti-ICE themes.
- Rep. Eric Swalwell: Compared ICE agents to a “KGB officer in Russia.” This rhetoric contributed to the environment surrounding the August 2019 Denver ICE office vandalism, where protesters damaged property and clashed with police.
- Rep. John Larson: Called ICE law enforcement officers “the SS” and “the Gestapo” for arresting criminal illegal aliens. This language has been linked to threats, including the 2019 Aurora, Colorado, ICE facility protest where demonstrators blocked entrances, leading to arrests.
- Rep. Becca Balint: Called ICE law enforcement officers “vigilantes” who engage in “kidnapping.” Her statements echoed in the September 2025 Dallas incident, where anti-ICE messaging was recovered, highlighting a pattern of demonization.
A poll conducted in August 2025 found 62% of Americans concerned about political rhetoric contributing to violence, with 55% believing it has increased attacks on law enforcement. These examples illustrate how heated language has coincided with violent acts against ICE, prompting calls for de-escalation in public discourse.