Fact Check: There has been a 500 percent increase in violence against ICE agents.

Fact Check: "There has been a 500 percent increase in violence against ICE agents."

What We Know

The claim regarding a 500% increase in assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents originates from statements made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In June 2025, DHS reported that assaults against ICE officers had risen by 500% compared to the previous year, highlighting a significant escalation in violence during enforcement operations (source-1, source-4). This statistic was part of a broader narrative from DHS officials, who expressed concern over the safety of ICE agents, citing specific incidents of violence against them, such as vehicle attacks and physical assaults during operations (source-4).

In the months leading up to this announcement, DHS had reported incremental increases in assaults: 300% in April, 413% in May, and finally 500% in June (source-3). The raw data provided indicated that there were 79 assaults against ICE agents between January 21 and June 30, 2025, compared to just 10 during the same period in the previous year (source-3).

Analysis

The claim of a 500% increase in violence against ICE agents is substantiated by official statistics released by DHS, which is a credible source for such data. The agency's reports have been consistent in their messaging about the rising dangers faced by ICE personnel, and they have provided specific figures to back their claims (source-1, source-4).

However, it is important to note that while the percentage increase is significant, it can be misleading without context. For instance, as pointed out by analysts, a 500% increase could reflect a rise from a very low base number of assaults, which diminishes the perceived severity of the situation (source-3). The raw numbers indicate that while any assault on law enforcement is unacceptable, the total number of incidents (79 assaults over six months) may not suggest a widespread epidemic of violence specifically targeting ICE agents.

The sources reporting this information, including major news outlets and government releases, generally maintain a level of credibility, though they may have varying degrees of bias. For example, the DHS is a government body with a vested interest in portraying the challenges faced by its agents, which may influence how data is presented (source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that there has been a 500% increase in violence against ICE agents is True based on the statistics provided by the Department of Homeland Security. While the percentage increase is accurate, it is crucial to interpret these figures within the context of the actual number of assaults, which, while concerning, may not indicate a dramatic escalation in violence against ICE agents as the percentage might suggest.

Fact Check: There has been a 500 percent increase in violence against ICE agents.