The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Thursday that online portals put up by local and state governments that track the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents put those federal agents’ lives at risk.
DHS was responding to a July 8 announcement by Montgomery County, Maryland’s government that it was the latest to launch a website that includes a reporting portal to share information with the county about ICE activity.
“ICE tracking portals DIRECTLY put the lives of ICE law enforcement in danger as they go after terrorists, vicious gangs, and violent thugs,” DHS posted on X on Thursday. “Right now, our law enforcement officers are facing coordinated campaigns of violence against them, including a more than 1,300% increase in assaults, a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats.”
In February, DHS said that its law enforcement officers have experienced more than 180 vehicle attacks since President Donald Trump took office Jan. 21, 2025.
“We have seen more than 180 vehicle attacks against law enforcement since President Trump took office. In addition to these vehicle attacks, our officers are also facing a more than 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats as they risk their lives to arrest murderers, pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and terrorists.”
The data cited by DHS come from a January statement the department made about the rise of violence against ICE agents.
Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), have questioned the data on the attacks against ICE agents.
At a November Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee hearing titled, “ICE Under Fire: The Radical Left’s Crusade Against Immigration Enforcement,” Padilla said, “If today’s hearing was a serious effort, those government witnesses would be providing facts and data behind the numbers that the Department of Homeland Security so often cites to claim an increase in assaults on its officers and agents.”
Montgomery County said the ICE reporting portal was required by two recently enacted county laws.
“This reporting portal will help us better understand what is happening in our community, identify areas where residents may need support, and respond with accurate information and resources,“ said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Every resident deserves to feel safe, and we remain committed to protecting the trust that is essential to keeping our communities strong.”
The attorneys general offices in Michigan and New Jersey also launched ICE reporting portals earlier this year.
“What we are seeing from federal immigration agents across the country has been deeply concerning,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in February. “In Michigan, we do not, and will not tolerate harmful, illegal actions against our residents, and I will not hesitate to uphold the law. That includes investigating unlawful actions perpetrated by a federal officer in our state. This new form allows Michiganders to report alleged misconduct right to my office.”
The attorneys general from New Jersey and Michigan and Montgomery County, Maryland did not respond to emails seeking comment.
