“If you threaten or attempt to harm a law enforcement officer we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
In the wake of a video going viral in which a TikToker called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to be shot "on sight," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that those who threaten to harm law enforcement will be prosecuted to the "fullest extent to the law."
"Shoot at ICE agents on sight. That’s right. If ICE agents are trying to take you or a loved one, shoot them on sight,” TikTok user belal_donq said in the video. "The way they’re pulling up with masks on, with unmarked vehicles, no badge, no nothing, it could be anybody. It can be gang members. You have every right to shoot at them. This would be the best self-defense case. You’re just in fear for your life."
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View on XIn response, Noem wrote, "If you threaten or attempt to harm a law enforcement officer we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
The man later questioned in the video, "why would you wanna be an ICE agent anyway? Do you like separating kids from their parents? Do you like deporting students that are studying? I can understand deporting a gang member or criminals, but innocent people is ridiculous."
"The way these ICE agents are pulling up with masks on, unmarked vehicles, they are pulling up like gang members. They are pulling up like the Mafia. You might as well shoot them on sight and have your day in court."
National Border Patrol Council Vice President Hector Garza told Fox News that videos like this incite "real-world violence."
"This kind of rhetoric is not only dangerous, it incites real-world violence and undermines the rule of law. Our agents risk their lives every day to protect this country, and they deserve to do their jobs without fear of being targeted simply for wearing the uniform," he said. "The National Border Patrol Council unequivocally condemns any form of violence or threats directed at federal law enforcement officers, including our colleagues at ICE."
He urged social media platforms to "take swift and decisive action against content that promotes violence," and said that "Free speech does not extend to inciting criminal acts, and allowing such content to remain online puts lives at risk."
As of Monday evening, the TikTok account for belal_donq appears to have been taken down.
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