Dupage Policy Journal

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said that assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are increasing. She attributed this trend to rhetoric from Illinois leaders while highlighting a vehicle-ramming incident in Bensenville.

"Thankfully none of our law enforcement was killed because of these deranged criminals' attacks on law enforcement," said Patricia McLaughlin, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "This is exactly what happens when Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and other sanctuary politicians demonize ICE and encourage illegal aliens to resist law enforcement. Our ICE law enforcement is facing a more than 1000% increase in assaults—including cars—being used as weapons against them. Secretary Noem has been clear: anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

According to the DHS, ICE officers in the Chicago metro area have been targeted in deliberate vehicular assaults by individuals identified as criminal illegal aliens. In one such incident in Bensenville, Illinois, Guatemalan national Widman Osberto Lopez-Funes reportedly rammed his vehicle into ICE agents during a targeted enforcement operation. He then fled into his residence, where he was subsequently arrested without incident. Lopez-Funes had unlawfully entered the United States at an unspecified date and location, evading inspection by immigration officials.

The DHS has publicly reported a surge in assaults on ICE officers in 2025, noting tactics that include vehicles being used as weapons. Department statements indicate a significant increase in such assaults, with senior officials warning that offenders will face vigorous prosecution. The agency has described incidents where officers were dragged by cars and convoys were boxed-in, which they say pose serious threats to agent safety during nationwide operations.

Homeland Security leaders have turned their focus to Illinois following recent confrontations near Chicago-area facilities and during street operations. According to AP News, arrests have occurred during protests outside an ICE site in Broadview, with volatile scenes reported in city neighborhoods during enforcement operations referred to as "blitzes." Federal officials argue these operations prioritize criminal offenders; however, critics have raised concerns about tactics and local coordination. Following a deadly attack in Texas, DHS announced increased security at ICE buildings due to a broader pattern of threats against officers.

McLaughlin serves as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the DHS, acting as a principal spokesperson coordinating department-wide messaging on immigration enforcement and national security initiatives. She is noted for her experience as a communications strategist within conservative politics.