House Republicans are pushing new legislation to crack down on violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The move highlights the growing tensions over illegal immigration and law enforcement.
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the “Protect and Respect ICE Act,” joined by Reps. Brad Knott (R-NC) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN).
The bill would double the maximum prison sentence and fines for anyone convicted of assaulting, resisting, or impeding an ICE agent or employee.
The proposal comes after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported in July that attacks against ICE officials have surged.
ICE agents have faced an 830% increase in assaults between late January and mid-July compared to the same period in 2024.
‘Anyone Who Assaults An ICE Agent Must Face The Harshest Possible Punishment’
A spokesperson for Hinson said the bill is designed to deter violent attacks by anti-ICE “protesters” and leftist agitators who have increasingly targeted federal officers.
Hinson directly tied the surge in violence to progressive activism:
“Instead of standing with law enforcement, the radical Left sides with dangerous illegal aliens and even wants to strip ICE agents of the gear that keeps them safe.
“That’s unacceptable,” Hinson added.
“Anyone who assaults an ICE agent must face the harshest possible punishment.”
ICE Resources Surging Under Trump
The measure comes as Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration have already bolstered ICE operations since reclaiming control of the federal government earlier this year.
President Donald Trump has ordered new ICE-led raids in major cities across the country.
The effort is part of his broader crackdown on violent criminal illegal aliens and gang networks.
The moves have triggered predictable backlash from Democrats and progressive groups.
Chicago is reportedly the next city preparing for a major ICE enforcement action, alongside the deployment of National Guard troops.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, both Democrats, have blasted the plans.
Johnson signed an executive order last week prohibiting Chicago police from cooperating with “any unlawful or unconstitutional actions undertaken by federal law enforcement or U.S. Armed Forces within the City of Chicago.”
Escalating Clashes Over Enforcement
The push for tougher penalties reflects growing frustration among Republicans that ICE agents are being demonized and physically targeted for simply enforcing the law.
With ICE raids expanding and blue-state leaders vowing defiance, the legislation signals that Republicans intend to stand firmly behind federal agents on the front lines of the immigration fight.
READ MORE – Court Dooms Wisconsin Activist Judge, Rules She Must Face Charges for Obstructing ICE
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