Jay Block, a Senator from New Mexico, has attributed the rise in assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement officers to rhetoric from left-leaning politicians. He called for the full prosecution of those involved in such assaults. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
"The rhetoric from the left enables this behavior against law enforcement," said C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "They have blood on their hands and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent."
Assaults against ICE law enforcement officers have seen a significant increase in 2025, with an 830% rise compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS officials say this escalation is linked to increasingly heated political rhetoric surrounding immigration. Some argue that this rhetoric normalizes violence against federal agents and has led to high-profile attacks, including shootings and riots at ICE facilities.
According to DHS, by mid-June 2025, ICE officers experienced a 500% increase in assaults during enforcement operations. Incidents included agents being run over by vehicles and attacked while making arrests. This figure rose to 830% by mid-July, illustrating the ongoing surge in violent encounters faced by ICE agents in the field.
DHS data indicates that the rate of assaults on ICE officers in 2025 is not only 830% higher than the previous year but has climbed steadily throughout the year, up from a 413% increase reported in early spring. This rapid escalation marks 2025 as one of the most dangerous years for ICE agents in recent history, underscoring rising risks linked to enforcement activities.
According to his official biography and Wikipedia, Jay Block is a Republican New Mexico state senator elected in 2024 after a career as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and as Sandoval County Commissioner. Block is known for his strong support of law enforcement, backing tougher penalties for crimes against officers and policies aimed at bolstering public safety statewide.
