The debate over immigration enforcement has intensified, raising questions about whether House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is jeopardizing the safety of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The concern? That his recent remarks could heighten risks for officers already facing significant challenges.

Under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, ICE agents have encountered a surge in hostility while carrying out their duties. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the issue last month, stating, “Even during National Police Week, the media, members of Congress, and sanctuary politicians have demonized ICE and CBP officers who bravely serve their country.” She added, “Attacks and smears against ICE have resulted in officers facing a 413% increase in assaults. We are setting the facts straight and reassuring America that President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to support ICE and CBP in their efforts to make America safe again.”

Amid this tense climate, some Democrats, including Jeffries, have heightened the rhetoric surrounding these agents — who often deal with highly dangerous and violent criminals — by threatening to reveal their identities.

During a press conference, Jeffries accused these ICE agents of being involved in what he described as “aggressive overreach.” He stated, “Every single ICE agent who is engaged in this aggressive overreach and are trying to hide their identities from the American people will be unsuccessful in doing that.”

He continued, “This is America. This is not the Soviet Union. We’re not behind the Iron Curtain. This is not the 1930s. And every single one of them, no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes will, of course, be identified. That is, in fact, the law, and we’re going to make sure that the American people have the transparency necessary to hold people accountable when they’re folks who cross the line here in America. That’s what’s going to happen.”

Jeffries is not alone in his provocative rhetoric. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) previously likened ICE agents to “Trump’s modern Gestapo,” invoking the notorious secret police of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. Similarly, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D) recently referred to ICE officers as the president’s “secret police,” further inflaming tensions.

In response, Trump’s Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons hit back hard. “My officers and agents walk into danger so other people can sleep safely at night, so kids can make it to school safely and play outside. So while it’s easy to be an armchair quarterback and make up talking points that get activists riled up, the bottom line is my officers and agents are out there protecting the same people who are threatening their safety. Law enforcement is common sense.”

Lyons went on to demand accountability, stating, “Politicians need to stop putting my people in danger. I’m not asking them to stop. I’m demanding that they stop.” Addressing the Democrats directly, he added, “Here’s what I have to say to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, and anyone else stirring up the outrage about what ICE does — these are real people with real families you’re hurting with your ridiculous rhetoric and inflammatory comments and it’s time to remember that.”

David Closson, director of Family Research Council’s Center for Biblical Worldview, expanded on Lyons’s remarks with a theological perspective. “As Christians,” he told The Washington Stand, “we take it very seriously when we read in Romans 13 that government is ordained by God to promote good and restrain evil.” He emphasized that “Christians believe that one of the primary roles of government is to provide police authority to protect citizens. The recent comments by Democrats, as related to border agents, are concerning.”

Closson expressed alarm at these comments, noting they endanger “people who are simply trying to carry out their job.” He added, “I’m not entirely surprised that Democrats have adopted this posture, given their commitment to a worldview that sees the world through the lens of intersectionality. They see illegal immigrants as a minority population that almost deserves extra rights.” In a time of heightened risks, Closson urged Christians to “support border agents who are trying to implement duly enacted law that is ultimately geared towards protecting citizens.”

Reflecting on the situation, Closson pointed to Paul’s guidance in 2 Timothy, where Christians are instructed to “pray for those in authority.” He encouraged believers to intercede for lawmakers across party lines, including those with differing worldviews, saying, “Even if a politician does not align with your viewpoints, you are still called to pray for them. And specifically, we should be praying for wisdom and a renewed commitment to see America’s laws honored when it comes to border agents.”

“Not only do they deserve our respect and admiration for what they are doing,” Closson concluded, “we should be prompted to pray for their safety, because what they are tasked with is often incredibly dangerous to them.”