Tom Homan, who served as President Donald Trump’s Border Czar, recently criticized Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) for what he called a lack of awareness regarding a significant rise in violent assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Homan’s comments came after Nadler appeared on Fox News and claimed he was unaware of any such attacks.
During the segment, Nadler responded to a question from correspondent Johnny Belisario by asking, “What attacks on ICE agents?” This prompted Homan to label him a “buffoon,” asserting that Nadler and his party were actually encouraging violence against ICE personnel. Homan stated that assaults on ICE agents have surged by 830%, attributing this increase to negative rhetoric from Democratic lawmakers.
Homan emphasized that Nadler could not genuinely claim ignorance about the situation. He argued that the language used by some Democrats has real-world consequences, leading to increased hostility towards ICE agents. Homan’s remarks highlighted a broader narrative pushed by Trump’s Rapid Response Team, which has been vocal about blaming the rise in violence on the comments made by elected Democrats.
Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, also weighed in on the issue, stating that ICE agents are risking their lives daily to protect communities from serious criminals. She condemned the attacks on these agents as reprehensible, suggesting that the inflammatory language from politicians contributes to the danger they face while performing their duties.
This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the role of ICE in enforcing laws in the United States. The debate over the treatment of ICE agents and the rhetoric surrounding their work continues to be a contentious issue among lawmakers and the public alike.