“War on ICE” intensifies: Cartels, gangs offer millions for attackers to target federal officers

• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has disclosed that cartels, gangs, and terrorist groups have placed bounties of up to $10,000 for the killing of specific immigration agents.
• The threats come amid rising political violence and are linked to previous high-profile incidents involving assassination attempts on political figures.
• The revelation comes after recent confrontations between immigration officials and protesters in Chicago, including an incident where immigration agents shot a woman involved in an alleged assault.
• Noem criticized local officials for providing hostile conditions for federal agents, stating they are even denied access to basic amenities like restrooms.
• The situation underscores growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local governments, raising significant security concerns for those involved.

In an alarming development disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, criminal organizations, including cartels, gangs, and terrorist groups, have placed bounties on the heads of specific U.S. immigration agents. Noem revealed this during an interview with Fox & Friends Weekend on October 5. The bounties, ranging from $2,000 for kidnapping to $10,000 for assassination, highlight the increasingly dangerous environment faced by federal law enforcement officers.

A Precedent of Violence and Threats

This disclosure comes in the wake of multiple high-profile threats against political figures, fueling concerns about the escalation of politically motivated violence. Secretary Noem urged caution, emphasizing the need for toned-down political rhetoric to prevent further real-world violence.

The Chicago Standoff and Escalating Tensions

The ongoing confrontation in Chicago between immigration agents and protesters exemplifies the heightened tensions between federal enforcement and local opposition.

Noem describes Chicago as being akin to “a war zone,” blaming Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson for the animosity her agents are having to contend with. She said local officals are blocking ICE agents from entering municipal buildings, and won’t even let them into government facilities to use the restroom.

On Saturday, Border Patrol agents were rammed and boxed in by multiple cars, then surrounded by a large crowd of hostile protesters, including a woman with a semi-automatic gun. Fox News’ Bill Melugin confirmed that Chicago’s police officers were instructed NOT to help the agents, despite their calls for assistance.

Federal immigration agents reported that a woman drove her vehicle aggressively toward them, attempting to assault the officers. The agents shot the woman, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries and drove herself to the hospital. The incident underscores the dangerous situation faced by law enforcement officers, who are being subjected to increasingly aggressive resistance from individuals and groups opposed to immigration operations.

Noem’s Call for Action and Concerted Strikes

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the organized nature of the threats against federal immigration officials, noting that the bounties and the distribution of specific agents’ photographs through criminal networks represent an unprecedented level of danger for those serving on the front lines. Noem emphasized the involvement of designated foreign terrorist organizations, including cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and MS-13, further detailing their efforts to undermine law enforcement operations. Secretary Noem also addressed concerns about the funding and coordination behind these hostile actions, stressing the need for immediate federal action to counteract these threats.

A Call for Restraint and Support

The recent revelations about bounties on immigration agents, along with the broader context of political violence, underscore the urgent need for both caution and solidarity. Secretary Noem’s comments serve as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by federal officers and the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety. While the federal government and local officials grapple with the challenges of immigration, it is vital for all sides to maintain restraint, support law enforcement, and ensure public safety. The safety of these officers should transcend partisanship, and we must advocate for their protection. It is imperative that elected officials dial back inflammatory rhetoric and focus on constructive dialogue.

Recent events should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that lenient policies toward illegal immigration can have catastrophic consequences. Enhanced cooperation among local, state, and federal authorities is essential to enforce immigration laws effectively and secure our borders, protecting citizens from potential threats. In conclusion, it is time for all parties to come together, fostering an environment of collaboration and respect for law enforcement, ensuring our communities remain safe and secure.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

SAN.com

DailySignal.com