US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Delivers Warning on Federal Felony Prosecution for Violence on Officers
ICE announced on Tuesday that anyone who attacks its officers will face serious criminal prosecution. ICE officials stressed that this affects all individuals, regardless of their legal standing.
Broad Language Raises Concerns Over Protest Activities
The warning may allow federal attorneys to pursue assault charges for actions that typically be categorized as resisting arrest or peaceful protest. Included in the official post was an image with the message “think before you resist” alongside a clenched fist.
Department of Homeland Security Broadens Meaning of Dangerous Conduct
The DHS Secretary previously indicated that “threatening behavior” encompasses recording ICE operations and revealing personal information of agents. This expanded interpretation has already resulted in the detention of journalists, such as Mario Guevara, who was held for filming an agency operation.
“Anything that threatens [DHS agents] and their security is considered violence.”
Reports of Increased Attacks Met With Questions
The Department of Homeland Security asserted that assaults on ICE officers had increased a thousand percent, though when requested specific examples, officials referenced incidents such as trash dumped on an agent’s lawn and insulting posters. In one case, the Federal Bureau of Investigation offered a reward of fifty thousand dollars for information leading to the capture of an individual who appeared to fire a gun during a California raid.
Ongoing Legal Changes Enable Increased Enforcement
A recent federal decision has removed restrictions that previously limited ICE authority in the state, leading DHS to announce it would “flood the zone” in LA. Meanwhile, fatal encounters during enforcement actions have continued, including a recently reported officer-involved incident in Chicago.
Government attorneys have also brought assault charges against multiple demonstrators this calendar year, with some instances involving actions that traditionally fall under resisting arrest.
