During a contentious congressional hearing on Wednesday, a witness was silenced by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) while alleging that inflammatory statements from Democratic politicians have incited violent attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Michael Howell, a Visiting Fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, was in the midst of delivering a fervent testimony about the escalating threats and violence ICE officers face.
Howell's interruption occurred as he implored the Democratic members of Congress to cease what he considered provocatory rhetoric against ICE personnel. Citing an Axios report, he mentioned instances where Democratic members purportedly endorsed aggressive protest tactics, with some expressing a "willingness to get shot" for media coverage. Howell's testimony included direct references to politicians' comments on violence and public confrontations with ICE agents.
Specifically, Howell pointed to Democrats like California Senator Alex Padilla and New Jersey Representative LaMonica McIver, who have been involved in incidents opposing ICE actions. Howell also highlighted a staggering rise in assaults on ICE officers, with DHS data showing over an 830 percent increase recently.
However, as Howell was detailing particular violent events, Rep. Thompson invoked a "point of order," claiming the remarks were irrelevant to the hearing's agenda. Republican members countered, asserting Howell's right to voice his concerns freely.
The incident reflects the deepening partisan rift as Congress grapples with the Trump administration's proposed "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which seeks to significantly augment ICE's budget and personnel. The proposed legislation aims to increase the number of ICE agents to an unprecedented 10,000, as reported by Trending Politics.
The debate is set against a backdrop of intensifying violence against ICE officers. In Texas earlier this month, an assailant shot and killed an ICE officer and wounded another. Days following, another attacker was fatally shot while attacking ICE personnel at a border station.
The White House has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement measures despite the dangers. Tom Homan, White House border czar, emphasized the significance of the administration's efforts to expand ICE's capabilities.
The hearing brought to the fore the charged atmosphere enveloping immigration enforcement, with some lawmakers urgently calling for a collective condemnation of violence and support for ICE's role. Simultaneously, it underscored the growing frustration and division within Congress regarding the future of immigration policy and enforcement.
