On July 15, 2025, U.S.Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) released the following statement after introducing the Protect and Respect ICE Act to double the federal penalty for attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This comes amid a 700% surge in attacks against ICE agents.
“While the left is focused on villainizing ICE and forcing agents to remove their masks, I’m focused on protecting these heroes who are working tirelessly to deport criminal illegal aliens and keep our communities safe. The punishment for attacking ICE agents should be swift and devastating. This is why I introduced legislation to double the federal penalty for assaulting federal immigration officials, sending a clear message to radical leftists that these attacks will not be tolerated,” said Senator Schmitt.
These attacks have only gotten more brazen in recent days:
- On July 4th, eleven individuals ambushed officers at an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas.
- On July 4th, rioters assaulted federal agents at an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon.
- On July 7th, a man unleashed gunfire at a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas.
ICE agents are doing dangerous work to deport illegal immigrants from this country; they deserve our respect. We introduced legislation this week that would double the penalties on any assault against ICE agents. If you’re going to do that, be prepared to potentially spend [40] years in prison.
