Maryland ICE Shooting Sparks Warning: Political Rhetoric Fuels Attacks on Federal Agents

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., warned Wednesday that political rhetoric targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement is fueling real-world violence against federal agents.

He cited a shooting incident in Maryland where at least two individuals were hospitalized after ICE agents fired on a vehicle attempting to ram them during an operation. Law enforcement officials stated the agents acted in self-defense.

“It’s not just disturbing,” Biggs said. “What it is, is criminal.”

Biggs claimed such incidents are being incited by left anarchists and Democrats who support open borders, alleging they have sought to dehumanize ICE agents and condone violence. He identified Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey as a member of Congress under indictment for attacking ICE personnel and Rep. Adelita Grijalva from Arizona for misconstruing an incident involving violence against federal officers.

Biggs emphasized that political leaders who encourage such hostility must be held accountable to prevent further normalization of attacks on federal agents. He also criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, for public remarks condemning federal immigration actions in his city as potentially endangering lives, warning that such language could be interpreted as threats and calling for legal action against officials who use their platforms to incite violence.