Republican leaders and the Department of Homeland Security have pushed a clear, unapologetic message of support for ICE ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, releasing a short video that showcases members of Congress thanking frontline immigration officers and highlighting a sharp rise in assaults against those agents. The video and DHS statements frame enforcement as essential to public safety, and Republicans featured in the clip make plain their gratitude for officers who work through the holiday to do a tough job. At the same time DHS released figures showing a dramatic increase in attacks on ICE personnel, GOP voices tied that violence to permissive rhetoric from sanctuary politicians.
The DHS posted a video compiling remarks from Republican lawmakers who wanted to say thank you to immigration officers serving this country. Senators and representatives took turns on camera praising work that often happens behind the scenes and during holidays. The tone is straightforward and meant to recognize the risks and sacrifices of daily enforcement duty.
Sen. Joni Ernst is one of the voices in the clip, and she chose to express her “heartfelt thanks to the great men and women of ICE.” Her words are short and respect the personal commitment of officers who patrol borders, process cases, and carry out deportations. That kind of direct acknowledgment resonates with a lot of voters who care about rule of law and public order.
Rep. Andy Ogles spoke in blunt terms about the mission and its consequences, saying, “This Thanksgiving, I thank you for your service, and for deporting the illegal invaders who’ve flooded our communities.” His line underscores a Republican refrain: enforcement is not optional when the safety of towns and families is at stake. It also signals a political contrast with lawmakers who argue for more lenient approaches.
The video features House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP figures offering similar praise, a coordinated message from the party leadership. That kind of public backing is meant to reassure officers and the public that their work is recognized at the highest levels. Republicans frame it as a necessary rebuttal to criticism aimed at enforcement agencies.
The DHS on X that features the video reads, “This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful to the dedicated men and women of @ICEgov who are working through the holiday to keep our communities safe. From the halls of Congress, thank you for your continued service and commitment.” That official post puts the spotlight squarely on those who continue duty through long hours and public scrutiny. It serves as both gratitude and a public reminder of the agency’s role.
https://x.com/DHSgov/status/1993424299663778067
Republicans are also pointing to data released by DHS showing what they describe as a wave of attacks on law enforcement personnel tied to immigration work. The department reported a startling increase in reported assaults against ICE staff year over year, and GOP leaders say this surge underscores the need for robust protection and accountability. The message is consistent: support officers and enforce existing laws to protect communities.
In its release DHS noted stark figures: “From January 21, 2024, through November 21, 2024, there were only 19 reported assaults against ICE law enforcement, while in the same timeframe in 2025 there were 238 reported assaults. This is a 1,153% increase in assaults.” Those numbers are undeniable and politicians on the right are using them to press the case that rhetoric has consequences. Republicans argue that softened language from sanctuary advocates can embolden violence toward officers doing their jobs.
The GOP line in this conversation is plain: thank the men and women who enforce immigration laws and call out the political currents that, in their view, enable attacks on them. Thanksgiving is a natural moment to make that statement public and visceral, showing appreciation while also staking out a firm stance on security. For voters who prioritize borders and law enforcement, the video and the statistics together offer a clear, unapologetic frame about priorities and protections.
