Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has vowed to prosecute individuals who threaten harm to law enforcement officers “to the fullest extent of the law.”
The statement comes after a TikTok user posted a video urging viewers to shoot Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “on sight.”
The user, identified as belal_donq, made several inflammatory statements in the now-viral video, including direct calls for violence against federal agents during immigration enforcement operations.
“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 TikToker stated in the video.
He attempted to justify his call to violence by claiming that ICE agents’ tactics create legitimate fear: “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.”
The video continued with criticism of ICE’s mission and operations. “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?” the TikToker questioned.
While acknowledging he could “understand deporting a gang member or criminals,” he called deporting “innocent people” ridiculous.
The user doubled down on his violent rhetoric later in the video: “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.”
Secretary Noem’s response was direct and unequivocal. “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,” she wrote on X.
Law enforcement organizations have condemned the video, with National Border Patrol Council Vice President Hector Garza telling Fox News that such content presents a real threat to officers in the field.
“This kind of rhetoric is not only dangerous, it incites real-world violence and undermines the rule of law,” Garza stated. “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.”
The National Border Patrol Council has explicitly condemned “any form of violence or threats directed at federal law enforcement officers,” including their “colleagues at ICE.”
Garza also called for social media platforms to take decisive action against content promoting violence, emphasizing 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, TikTok appears to have removed the account belonging to belal_donq.
Noem, for her part, made headlines last week after revealing her plans to embark on a Central American tour with a key stop at El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center where hundreds of criminal migrants were recently deported from the United States.
