Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., delivered a blunt message on Newsmax Thursday, accusing Democrats of stoking hostility toward Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and creating an environment that has led to a surge in assaults, threats, and now a deadly confrontation under investigation.
Speaking on National Report, the Senate Judiciary Committee member stressed that ICE officers are enforcing the law—not freelancing policy—and should not be demonized by elected officials looking for political applause. Her remarks followed a fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving an ICE agent and a woman who died after a confrontation during an enforcement action.
“This is a tragic situation,” Britt said, emphasizing that any loss of life should be mourned. But she didn’t stop there, adding that Democrats “have to assume responsibility for creating an environment that should have never existed.” In other words, words matter—especially when aimed at people carrying badges.
Britt said years of criticism toward law enforcement have escalated recently as immigration enforcement has increased, pointing to rhetoric comparing ICE officers to Nazis or a Gestapo-style force. According to her, that kind of language doesn’t stay on social media—it emboldens dangerous resistance in real life.
“At the end of the day,” Britt reminded viewers, “law enforcement officers leave the safety of their home each and every day so that we can return to ours.” A simple fact that somehow keeps getting lost in the shouting.
The Alabama senator cited alarming figures, saying assaults on ICE officers have risen 1,300% and death threats are up 8,000%, attributing the surge to statements by Democratic leaders and activists. She reiterated that ICE agents are deployed to enforce existing law and keep communities safe, not to provoke confrontations.
Democrats, however, have sharply criticized the shooting. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned whether the shooting of an unarmed woman was justified and called for a criminal investigation, also taking aim at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Britt forcefully pushed back, calling Jeffries’ comments irresponsible while an investigation is still ongoing. She took particular issue with his remarks about Noem, reminding him that she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and is, in fact, the secretary of Homeland Security—regardless of whether Democrats like that reality.
Britt noted that the Department of Homeland Security has defended the officer’s actions, citing video that shows the woman placing her vehicle in drive after being ordered to stop and exit. She said the ICE officer was clipped by the vehicle and hospitalized.
“There will be a full investigation,” Britt said, adding that the facts will come out. But she made clear that inflammatory rhetoric from top Democrats only worsens tensions and puts lives at risk.
She also revealed she was present in the Oval Office when President Donald Trump viewed the video, describing him as fully committed to border security and enforcing existing immigration laws.
“The president has made it very clear,” Britt said. “He is going to secure our border. He is going to enforce the laws that are on the books. And if you don’t like the laws, then change them.” A straightforward concept, yet somehow controversial.
Britt concluded by noting that voters backed tougher enforcement in the November election and warned that continued attacks on law enforcement risk even more violence.
The message was clear: stop the reckless rhetoric, let investigations play out, and respect the men and women enforcing the law. With firm leadership, clear laws, and accountability grounded in facts—not political theatrics—America can protect both public safety and the rule of law, which is exactly the direction this country needs to keep moving.
