Assaults against federal immigration officers are rarely seen in states with a Republican majority, and there’s a couple of reasons behind this. Firstly, in these red states, local law enforcement generally works in harmony with federal agencies. Additionally, Republican leaders in these regions often adopt a firm stance on crime and refrain from using provocative language against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), avoiding the incitement of public unrest.

Meanwhile, the situation in Democratic-leaning states paints a contrasting picture. This has become particularly evident in Minnesota, where ICE’s activities have ramped up following an incident involving anti-ICE activist Renee Good.

Prominent Democratic figures like Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have significantly intensified their critical rhetoric. Mayor Frey has gone as far as labeling ICE agents as “invaders” and suggesting they are culpable of murder. Governor Walz has echoed similar sentiments, describing ICE as “occupiers” and accusing them of committing “atrocities” against Minnesota’s citizens.

Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D), for instance, have doubled and tripled down on the inflammatory rhetoric, with Frey referring to ICE as “invaders” and essentially accusing them of murder, and Walz characterizing them as “occupiers” and their actions as “atrocities” committed against the people of Minnesota.