A stark warning echoed through the halls of the Senate Thursday, as one Republican senator painted a picture of escalating danger facing federal law enforcement. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri described a volatile situation brewing across the nation, fueled by increasingly hostile rhetoric and direct actions against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Schmitt’s comments came during a hearing focused on the deployment of National Guard troops, but quickly shifted to a passionate defense of ICE and a condemnation of what he called a dangerous trend of “villainizing” those who enforce immigration laws. He cited a staggering 1,000% increase in assaults on ICE officers, framing it as a direct consequence of inflammatory language.
The senator didn’t mince words, asserting that the current climate has effectively created an “open season” on law enforcement. He emphasized the human cost, reminding colleagues that ICE agents are not abstract figures, but individuals with families and loved ones simply carrying out duties assigned by Congress.
Schmitt specifically pointed to the actions of anti-ICE protesters who actively obstruct law enforcement operations, characterizing these actions as a dangerous escalation. He argued that condoning such behavior is akin to lighting the fuse on a “powder keg,” threatening widespread chaos and violence.
He expressed gratitude for the National Guard’s presence, acknowledging their role in protecting both ICE agents and federal assets. Schmitt firmly defended the President’s authority to deploy these forces, viewing it as a necessary measure to maintain order and ensure the safety of those enforcing the law.
The senator drew parallels to situations in cities like Los Angeles and Portland, referencing the tactics of groups like Antifa, recently designated as both a domestic and foreign terrorist organization. He described a decentralized network with international reach, actively seeking to harm ICE personnel.
Schmitt criticized what he perceived as a lack of vocal support for ICE from his Democratic colleagues, suggesting that their reluctance to explicitly endorse immigration enforcement stems from a fundamental disagreement over border security and the rights of individuals within the country. He believes a core tenet of their ideology is that borders are irrelevant and deportation is unjust.
During the hearing, Schmitt directly questioned General Gregory Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command, seeking a detailed account of the tactics employed by those targeting federal agents. He described attempts to lure agents into ambushes using distractions like firecrackers, creating opportunities for assault.
General Guillot confirmed Schmitt’s concerns, stating that the tactics described were precisely those encountered when Title 10 forces were deployed to Los Angeles to protect federal activities, including the work of ICE agents. The general’s response underscored the severity of the situation and the real dangers faced by those tasked with enforcing immigration laws.
