ICE agents warn of rising risks to families as attacks surge and lawmakers seek to end mask protections; military sends support.

ICE Agents Face Unprecedented Assaults Amid Calls for De-Masking

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are raising alarms over a dramatic rise in assaults and mounting threats to their personal safety, as political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement intensify. According to the Department of Homeland Security, attacks against ICE officers have surged by nearly 700% compared to last year, with at least 79 reported assault events since President Donald Trump’s inauguration this year—a steep rise from just 10 during the same period in 2024. Officials warn that the true number may be even higher, given the rapid pace of incidents.

This wave of violence comes as congressional Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Nydia Velázquez of New York, advance legislation to require ICE agents to remove their face coverings during enforcement actions. The proposed “No Masks for ICE Act” aims to prevent agents from concealing their identities, with Jeffries asserting that officials will be identified "no matter what it takes." However, ICE personnel and their advocates argue that masking is a vital protection against being doxxed, harassed, or targeted outside of work—a risk exacerbated by protests and activists following agents, photographing license plates, and even tracking them before operations begin.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an ICE special agent expressed concern for both professional safety and family wellbeing. "We wouldn't wear masks if we didn't care about our families," the agent said, adding that escalating political and activist opposition has made it increasingly difficult to fulfill their duties. The agent warned, "What value do you get from taking masks off law enforcement that are afraid and getting doxxed?" He cautioned that removing mask protections would expose not only officers but their families and communities to greater danger.

Despite disruptions and protests, the agent noted that ICE’s mission continues. "If an area is too heated up, we go elsewhere. We're not short on targets," the agent remarked. He stressed that while some believe resistance can prevent arrests, it more often just shifts enforcement to other locations.

Military Mobilizes to Back ICE, Relieve Law Enforcement Strain

Amid heightened security demands and a spike in anti-ICE demonstrations, the Department of Defense is mobilizing resources to bolster immigration enforcement. U.S. Northern Command has deployed approximately 200 Marines to Florida to provide critical administrative and logistical support to ICE facilities, part of a larger 700-person mobilization across Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. According to Defense Secretary Sean Parnell, "Service members participating in this mission will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties… freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on law enforcement tasks and missions."

The military’s expanded role includes transferring a 250-mile stretch of the southern Texas border to Air Force jurisdiction under a new National Defense Area, managed from Joint Base San Antonio. In addition, a battalion of 500 Marines was sent to Los Angeles in June after anti-immigration enforcement riots, drawing sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

These moves reflect a broader effort by the Joint Task Force – Southern Border to consolidate and strengthen military and law enforcement presence along the border, aiming for what officials describe as "100% operational control."

As ICE agents and their families navigate escalating threats and national debate over enforcement tactics, the combination of political, legal, and military actions signals continued turbulence for America’s immigration policy landscape.