Federal agencies have issued warnings that individuals motivated by anti-immigration views may be planning coordinated attacks on ICE facilities nationwide, according to a joint FBI–DHS intelligence bulletin reviewed by The Washington Post in September 2024.
Story Highlights
- DHS and FBI issued joint intelligence bulletin warning of credible threats against ICE facilities by domestic violent extremists
- Federal agencies detected surge in online organizing and threats targeting immigration enforcement operations
- ICE facilities nationwide placed on heightened security alert with increased physical barriers and surveillance
- Previous attacks include 2019 Tacoma facility assault and multiple vandalism incidents since 2018
Federal Agencies Sound Alarm on Anti-ICE Extremism
The Department of Homeland Security and FBI distributed a joint intelligence bulletin in September 2024 warning law enforcement agencies of credible threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. The bulletin, first reported by NBC News and confirmed by DHS officials, identifies domestic violent extremists as the primary threat source, citing a spike in online rhetoric and coordination targeting ICE operations. Analysts, including national security expert Juliette Kayyem, have described this as an escalation in anti-enforcement activity that poses credible risks to federal personnel and facilities.
History of Violence Against Immigration Enforcement
Tensions surrounding ICE operations have increased since 2018, when the ‘Abolish ICE’ campaign emerged among activist groups protesting immigration detention practices, according to Reuters and the Associated Press. The most serious incident occurred in 2019 when Willem Van Spronsen launched an armed attack on the ICE facility in Tacoma, Washington, before being killed by police. Other incidents include the 2018 Portland ICE building occupation and several acts of vandalism targeting federal facilities through 2023, according to DHS incident logs and media reports. Officials have noted a continued security concern rather than a formally established pattern.
Current Security Response and Operational Impact
ICE facilities across the nation have implemented enhanced security protocols including physical barriers, increased surveillance systems, and coordinated response plans with local law enforcement agencies. An internal ICE operations memo cited by Politico noted that the heightened alert has required resource reallocations and temporary service delays, while employee unions have reported increased operational strain. These security measures represent necessary steps to protect federal employees from extremist violence while maintaining immigration enforcement operations.
🚨BREAKING: This FBI Special Agent just revealed that the rounds were INSCRIBED with ANTI-ICE rhetoric!
Yet ANOTHER far-left extremist doing the bidding of Democrats!
"I can confirm at this time the FBI is investigating this incident is an active target environment – incident."… pic.twitter.com/DSG47szPVA
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 24, 2025
Threat to Constitutional Immigration Enforcement
The targeting of ICE facilities represents a direct attack on constitutional immigration enforcement and the rule of law that conservatives have long championed. The DHS bulletin states that certain individuals and small groups have expressed intent to intimidate immigration officers or disrupt enforcement actions, though no specific organization has claimed responsibility. The threat undermines public safety and sends a dangerous message that violent intimidation can override legitimate government operations, a concerning precedent that threatens the foundation of ordered liberty.
Sources:
DHS and FBI warn about attacks on ICE facilities by ” …
Federal officials say they have removed an immigration officer …
