DHS launching 'whole of government' operation to combat anti-ICE activity, official says

Federal officials are launching a government-wide effort to crack down on those financially and logistically supporting the targeting of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and their operations, after the deadly attack at an ICE facility in Dallas earlier this week.

During an interview on the "Just the News, Not Noise" TV program, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the shooting was the result of "premeditated" planning and suggested that online tools and nonprofit networks are contributing to targeting federal officers.

One detainee and two others were critically injured in the shooting.

The suspect reportedly meant to target ICE and not detainees. Investigators have cited handwritten notes as evidence.

"We've seen not only the etchings on those bullet shells, but we've also seen the handwritten notes that this individual said he wanted to terrorize ICE law enforcement," she said. "This looks like it was a very premeditated attack, and unfortunately, it also looks like it was inspired by Charlie Kirk's murder, which is just so heinous and despicable."

McLaughlin said that a host of measures are under consideration, including increased government scrutiny of so-called “ICE tracking apps,” which allow users to share locations of immigration enforcement activity in real time. 

According to McLaughlin, while such apps might currently be legal, they are “being used by gangs, suspected terrorists, and others to evade law enforcement and even target officers.” 

She said the Department of Justice might consider whether the apps and other tracking tools amount to obstruction of justice.

"I think it's looking like obstruction of justice, and that's exactly what's happening. We hear this huge debate in this country about why these individuals, why are law enforcement wearing masks? Well, it's exactly this reason," she said.

She added that there has been a 1,000% increase in assaults against ICE officers.

McLaughlin also raised the possibility of using tax and funding methods to combat groups accused of anti-ICE activity. 

"I think this has to be a whole of government approach. Let's follow the money, whether it be for these ICE apps or otherwise," she said.

She added that examining the tax-exempt status of nonprofits accused of facilitating such activity is on the table.

These efforts could hit some roadblocks, given that civil rights groups have long argued that ICE tracking tools provide vulnerable communities with important information, while federal officials maintain these platforms put law enforcement personnel in danger.

McLaughlin stressed that the government plans to “follow the money” behind coordinated protests and other activities that obstruct ICE operations. 

“We need to end it right now before there’s more bloodshed,” she said.