Democratic Rep. Tries to Silence Witness Accusing Party of Fueling Violence Against ICE

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) abruptly halted Michael Howell’s congressional testimony on Wednesday as he described how inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic politicians has allegedly contributed to violent attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Howell, a Visiting Fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, delivered a passionate account of the growing threats and violence facing ICE agents during enforcement operations. 

“Thank you for giving me a platform to plead with members of this body, all on the Democrats’ side, to stand down on their threats against the men and women of Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” Howell said. “The violence is getting out of control, and it is fueled by the demagoguery of politicians.”

Drawing on an Axios report, Howell cited examples of Democratic members privately encouraging escalated protest tactics, including a “willingness to get shot” to attract media coverage. 

“Whether it is one of your members telling Axios that there needs to be ‘blood’ to grab the attention of the press and the public or another saying ‘civility isn’t working’ and to ‘prepare for violence,’ or even a member of this committee being arrested for forcibly impeding and interfering with federal officials. This escalation deserves condemnation,” he stated.

Critics say this rhetoric has emboldened activists, fueling a surge in assaults and confrontations targeting ICE officers nationwide.

Howell also referenced recent incidents involving Democrats, such as California Sen. Alex Padilla (D), arrested after disrupting a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference with Secretary Kristi Noem present and Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), who allegedly obstructed ICE agents outside a detention center.

Citing DHS data, Howell noted a staggering increase in assaults on ICE officers—over 830 percent in recent months. 

“It needs to stop, and it needs to stop now,” he urged.

As Howell began recounting specific violent episodes, Thompson interrupted with a “point of order,” arguing Howell’s comments were “outside the scope of the hearing.” 

Republicans objected, defending Howell’s right to speak freely.

The exchange reflects mounting tensions as Congress debates the Trump administration’s ambitious “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” aimed at significantly expanding ICE’s budget and workforce. 

The bill seeks to raise the number of ICE agents to an unprecedented 10,000 personnel, Trending Politics reports.

Violence against ICE officers has intensified recently. 

Earlier this month, a gunman opened fire on agents at a Texas facility, killing one officer and injuring another. 

Days later, another attacker was fatally shot at a border station in Texas after firing on ICE personnel, as previously covered by Resist the Mainstream. 

White House border czar Tom Homan affirmed the administration’s commitment to bolstering enforcement despite the risks.

“Look, this isn’t easy. Ten thousand ICE officers? Never happened before,” Homan said. “But I’ll say this: It’s about time … with more money, we can do more.”

The hearing spotlighted the volatile environment surrounding immigration enforcement, highlighting the urgent calls from some lawmakers to condemn violence and support ICE’s expanding role. 

At the same time, it underscored the partisan divide and rising frustrations within Congress over the direction of immigration policy and enforcement.

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