Jay Block, a Senator from New Mexico, has urged political leaders to denounce rhetoric and calls for violence following reports of an investigation into Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez. Block's statement was made on the social media platform X.
"Thank God she is now under investigation," said C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "Another unhinged Democrat calling for the killing of federal agents. This constant rhetoric and calls for violence from the left must end. To Rep. Stansbury, this is not normal."
Federal authorities have initiated an investigation into Gonzalez after she posted a video urging local gangs to "protect our turf" from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. According to AP News, federal agencies described the video as "despicable" and potentially inciting violence.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, assaults against ICE agents have increased by 500% in 2025 compared to previous years. Agents have reported violent incidents, including being dragged by vehicles during enforcement actions, indicating a rise in threats to federal law enforcement.
A report by the West Point Center for Counterterrorism found that federal charges for threats against public officials have more than doubled over the past decade. By 2022, there was an average of 62 cases per year, with a continuing increase in 2024 and 2025. This trend reflects more inflammatory rhetoric and threats nationwide.
Block is a Republican state senator in New Mexico, elected in 2024 after serving as Sandoval County Commissioner. He previously served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force specializing in nuclear security, according to his Ballotpedia biography.
