Mexican Criminal Organizations Target U.S. Immigration Officials with Bounties

Washington, D.C. – In a troubling development, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed that Mexican criminal organizations are offering substantial bounties for the assassination of high-ranking officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Reports indicate that these bounties can reach as high as $50,000, raising alarms about the escalating violence against federal law enforcement.

A Tiered System of Threats

According to an intelligence bulletin released by DHS, the criminal networks have established a tiered bounty system. The lowest tier starts at $2,000 for gathering intelligence or doxxing agents, which includes obtaining personal information about their families. This alarming trend highlights the lengths to which these organizations are willing to go to undermine law enforcement efforts.

In neighborhoods such as Pilsen and Little Village in Chicago, local gangs have reportedly deployed armed spotters on rooftops to monitor law enforcement activities. These spotters relay information via radio, enabling gangs to ambush officers during routine enforcement actions. The DHS noted that this surveillance has led to disruptions during operations, including recent raids under the initiative known as Operation Midway Blitz.

The Response from Homeland Security

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned these actions, stating, “These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law; they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities.” She emphasized that the threats faced by ICE and CBP officers include ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats, all aimed at deterring them from enforcing laws enacted by Congress.

Noem had previously warned that international cartels were offering bounties ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 against federal officers. “They are making sure that they know which officers are out there and being extremely effective,” she said during an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend” on October 5. The implication is clear: these criminal organizations are intent on dismantling the enforcement operations that disrupt their lucrative activities.

The Role of Antifa and Local Protests

The DHS bulletin also pointed to the involvement of Antifa cells in cities like Chicago and Portland, Oregon. These groups have allegedly provided logistical support to criminal organizations, including pre-staged protest supplies and doxxing of agent identities. This collaboration complicates the already challenging landscape for federal law enforcement, as protests against ICE and CBP have become increasingly violent.

In recent weeks, ICE offices in Portland and Broadview, Illinois, have been the sites of intense demonstrations, further complicating the enforcement landscape. The DHS has urged the public to report suspicious activities, including rooftop surveillance, and has vowed to remain undeterred by these threats.

A Surge in Violence Against Law Enforcement

The past few weeks have seen a disturbing rise in targeted attacks against federal law enforcement officers. Just last week, authorities apprehended a suspected member of the Latin Kings gang who allegedly placed a bounty on Chief Border Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino. The suspect reportedly sent a Snapchat message stating, “10k if u take him down.”

In a separate incident on September 24, a sniper opened fire on an ICE facility in Dallas, resulting in the death of one detainee and injuries to two others. The shooter, who later took his own life, had inscribed the words “Anti ICE” on his ammunition, indicating a clear motive against federal immigration enforcement.

Legislative Responses and Future Implications

In light of these threats, some states are taking legislative action. California recently passed a law prohibiting federal immigration officers from wearing masks that conceal their identities, a move aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. Other states are considering similar measures, reflecting a growing divide in how immigration enforcement is perceived across the country.

The situation underscores a broader national debate about immigration policy and law enforcement. As the Biden administration grapples with immigration reform, the actions of criminal organizations and the responses from local communities will likely shape the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.

Conclusion

The alarming trend of bounties placed on ICE and CBP officials by Mexican criminal organizations highlights a significant challenge for U.S. law enforcement. As these threats escalate, the collaboration between local gangs and groups like Antifa complicates the enforcement landscape. The federal government’s response, coupled with state-level legislative actions, will be crucial in addressing this growing crisis. As Secretary Noem stated, the commitment to uphold the law remains steadfast, but the path forward will require vigilance and cooperation from all levels of government and the public.