Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned on Sunday that anyone who threatens or attempts to harm law enforcement officials will be prosecuted to the “fullest extent of the law” following a viral video that featured a TikToker encouraging people to “shoot at ICE agents on sight.”
In a viral video on TikTok, social media user belal_donq, whose profile appears to have been removed, said, ” 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.
“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,” the social media user added. “You have every right to shoot at them.”
In the video, the TikTok user claimed that shooting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be the “best self-defense case” since people are “just in fear” of their lives and they do not know the identity of the individuals in masks and unmarked vehicles.
“This is ridiculous,” the social media user continued. “What is our country coming to? 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.”
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“The way these ICE agents are pulling up with masks on, unmarked vehicles, they are pulling up like gang members,” the social media user added. “They are pulling up like the Mafia. You might as well shoot them on sight and have your day in court.”
Sharing the video on X, formerly Twitter, Noem issued a major warning to any individuals who take the social media user’s advice to “shoot at ICE agents on sight.”
The Homeland Security secretary warned, “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.”
Following the release of the video encouraging people to shoot at ICE officials, National Border Patrol Council Vice President Hector Garza told Fox News, “This kind of rhetoric is not only dangerous, it incites real-world violence and undermines the rule of law.”
In response to the video, Garza encouraged social media platforms to take action against content promoting violence and claimed that free speech does not protect speech “inciting criminal acts.” The National Border Patrol Council vice president added, “Allowing such content to remain online puts lives at risk.”
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