On the night of July 4, a group orchestrated a dangerous attack on an immigration detention center near Fort Worth, Texas. The assailants used fireworks to create a distraction while two gunmen hid in a nearby tree line, waiting to ambush officers responding to the chaos. Just days later, another violent incident occurred at a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, where a man opened fire, wounding an officer before being shot dead by law enforcement.
Though not directly linked, both incidents reflect rising concerns over the safety of immigration officers, especially as tensions around immigration enforcement continue to escalate. Federal officials have responded by tightening security at Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sites across the country.
The events have triggered renewed debate around the agency’s enforcement tactics and the backlash they face. Critics argue that the increased presence of masked agents, large-scale raids, and the use of military-style operations have created a climate of fear. At the same time, officials say the surge in hostility toward agents stems from inflammatory political rhetoric.
Authorities report a significant rise in assaults against DHS personnel this year. As of mid-July, 93 incidents had been recorded compared to just 10 during the same period the year before. While some of these occurred during high-tension ICE raids, the attack in Fort Worth showed a higher degree of planning and coordination.
A Coordinated Assault with Military Precision
Court documents reveal that the attackers wore black clothing and fired fireworks at the Prairieland Detention Facility. Some then vandalized property with anti-ICE slogans while others coordinated with flashlights before opening fire. A local police officer responding to the scene was shot in the neck but survived. Investigators later linked the rifles used to a former Marine, Benjamin Hanil Song, who was charged with the attempted murder of a federal officer.
In total, 14 people have been charged in connection with the attack. Some allegedly tried to help Song evade capture, hiding him for 11 days before he was arrested. The group is believed to have planned the operation from a home in Dallas and used encrypted messaging apps to share reconnaissance details and assist Song while he was on the run.
Authorities recovered multiple firearms, tactical gear, and propaganda materials, including flyers promoting anti-government slogans. Evidence also shows that the group took steps to avoid detection, such as using Faraday bags to block phone signals.
Broader Concerns and Political Fallout
Just days after the Fort Worth incident, 27-year-old Ryan Luis Mosqueda attacked a Border Patrol facility in southern Texas. Armed with multiple weapons, he injured an officer before being fatally shot. His father had reported him missing earlier that morning, stating that Mosqueda had a mental condition.
Federal officials blame the rise in attacks on inflammatory language from some politicians, while critics counter that aggressive enforcement tactics and lack of transparency are contributing to public unrest. Increased protests, including instances of people impersonating ICE agents, have forced DHS to deploy more officers for basic operations.
ICE is set to receive a major budget increase, with $75 billion allocated to expand detention and enforcement capacity. The agency plans to hire and train more officers, nearly doubling the number available for field operations. Experts warn that this expansion may further intensify the current climate, increasing both enforcement power and potential conflict.
