Federal Crackdown Expands as DOJ Vows “Zero Tolerance” for Attacks on ICE

The White House has extended federal security measures beyond Portland, deploying National Guard units to Washington, D.C., and Memphis, while earlier in the year briefly sending troops to Los Angeles amid rioting concerns.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has pledged aggressive action against those accused of violence toward ICE personnel, directing Joint Terrorism Task Forces to pursue domestic terrorism charges and apply “the most serious available charges” against offenders.

Bondi stated that the Department of Justice will enforce a strict “zero tolerance” policy, warning: “If you so much as touch one of our federal officers, you will go to prison.” She emphasized that the government would not “stand idly by in the face of such lawlessness,” adding, “the rule of law will prevail.”

The administration’s approach has been strongly endorsed by White House chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, who declared on Friday: “This campaign of terrorism will be brought down.”

With troops now positioned in Portland and other cities, federal officials say their focus remains on ensuring the safety of personnel, securing ICE facilities, and curbing what they describe as a rising wave of violent demonstrations targeting federal agents.