The Department of Homeland Security says Mexican cartels and U.S. extremists have launched a coordinated campaign targeting federal immigration agents in Chicago, offering cash bounties for attacks and assassinations.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says Mexican cartels are collaborating with American extremists to place bounties on federal immigration agents in Chicago. According to an October 14 press release, the groups are offering up to $50,000 for assassinating high-ranking officials.
“These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law, they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Officials said the cartels have instructed U.S.-based sympathizers, including Chicago street gangs, to engage in doxxing, kidnappings, and armed attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.
DHS also confirmed “spotter networks” are tracking agents across Chicago neighborhoods. Despite the rising threats, DHS vowed not to retreat, urging the public to report suspicious activities online or through its hotline, 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.