Fact Check: "ICE agents are facing a 700 percent increase in assaults."
What We Know
The claim that ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents are experiencing a 700 percent increase in assaults is supported by multiple reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other credible news sources. According to a DHS memo, assaults against ICE agents have surged significantly, with reports indicating that there were 79 assaults from January 21, 2025, to June 30, 2025, compared to just 10 assaults during the same period the previous year, marking an increase of approximately 690% (KPTV). This aligns with statements from various officials, including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who attributed the rise in assaults to coordinated doxing efforts by extremist groups targeting ICE personnel and their families (DHS).
Additionally, a report from USA Today highlighted that the aggressive tactics employed by ICE under the Trump administration have led to heightened public resistance and dangerous encounters, contributing to the increase in assaults (USA Today). The report also noted that the increase in assaults comes after a period of declining incidents, suggesting a significant shift in the operational environment for ICE agents (USA Today).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim of a 700 percent increase in assaults on ICE agents is robust, with multiple sources corroborating the statistics provided by DHS. The data indicates a dramatic rise in assaults, which has been attributed to the aggressive enforcement tactics employed by ICE, particularly under the Trump administration. These tactics have reportedly provoked public backlash and resistance, leading to more confrontational situations (USA Today).
However, it is crucial to consider the context and the reliability of the sources. The DHS, while a credible source, operates under the current administration, which may have an interest in framing the narrative around immigration enforcement in a particular light. The mention of extremist groups and doxing efforts also raises questions about the motivations behind the reported assaults and whether they are representative of broader public sentiment or specific incidents fueled by targeted actions against ICE personnel (KPTV).
Moreover, while the increase is significant, it is essential to recognize that prior to this spike, assaults on ICE agents had been on a decline, suggesting that the current environment is atypical and influenced by recent policy changes (USA Today).
Overall, the sources reporting this increase are generally reliable, but they should be interpreted with an understanding of the broader political and social context.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that ICE agents are facing a 700 percent increase in assaults is substantiated by credible reports from DHS and other news outlets. The data indicates a significant rise in assaults compared to the previous year, correlating with aggressive enforcement tactics and heightened public resistance. While the context of these assaults is complex and influenced by various factors, the statistical increase is accurate and well-documented.
Sources
- Anarchists and Rioters in Portland Illegally Dox ICE Officers
- ICE Takes Down Convicted Illegal Alien Sexual Predators
- Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown is getting ICE agents hurt
- Homeland Security reports ICE officers are being doxxed
- Concerns Mount After ICE Agents Board Orange County Bus
- ICE Finally Admits Truth About Dramatic Spike in Assaults of Agents
- DHS: Assaults on ICE now up nearly 700% over same time last year
- LA immigration sweeps violate the Constitution
