by A surge in violent threats and attacks against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has led to the arrest of dozens of individuals across the country in recent weeks. Federal officials say an alarming rise in targeted violence has occurred, with incidents reported in Texas, Ohio, and Washington, D.C.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, attacks against ICE agents have increased by more than 830% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Officials are blaming escalating political rhetoric and growing hostility toward federal law enforcement for the spike.
Planned ICE Ambush in Texas
In one of the most serious incidents, Benjamin Hanil Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, was arrested following a week-long manhunt. Song was allegedly the last remaining suspect in a July 4 ambush on an ICE detention center near Dallas. The FBI arrested him after tracking him for several days.
According to federal authorities, Song purchased four firearms used in the ambush. He has been charged with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Song was also linked to a broader network of suspects. He became the 14th person arrested in connection to the attack, which also left an Alvarado Police Department officer shot in the neck during a confrontation. The officer survived. On July 8, warrants were issued for Song’s arrest on multiple charges including Aiding Terrorism, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Public Servant, and Engaging in Organized Crime. He was captured eight days later.
Threats in Ohio
In Cincinnati, Ohio, federal agents arrested Anthony Marcus Kelly after he allegedly posted multiple online threats calling for the killing of ICE agents. Operating under the social media alias “Slab,” Kelly reportedly claimed he had purchased firearms with the intent to use them against federal officers.
He now faces federal charges including threatening to assault, kidnap, or murder a federal official and transmitting threats to injure or kidnap others through electronic communication.
ICE officials confirmed that their Homeland Security Investigations division worked with the FBI to trace the threats to Kelly after identifying the disturbing posts on social media.
Official Response
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons thanked law enforcement teams for their swift action, warning that violent rhetoric—often politically motivated—is contributing to a dangerous climate for ICE agents.
“It’s horrifying that dangerous rhetoric, often spread by elected officials, has brought us to this point,” Lyons said. “Let this be an example to other people planning on terrorizing federal law enforcement officers: If you attack the brave men and women protecting this nation from dangerous criminal aliens, we will arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Federal officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report threats to law enforcement. They emphasized that attacks on federal officers will not be tolerated and will be met with aggressive prosecution. Further arrests may follow as investigations continue.
