A New York woman twice attempted to purchase a firearm with the explicitly stated intent to kill federal immigration agents, exposing the dangerous consequences of years of inflammatory anti-law enforcement rhetoric that has painted ICE officers as oppressors rather than public servants.
Story Snapshot
- New York woman made two separate attempts to buy a gun in Kenmore, stating her goal was to “kill ICE agents”
- Department of Homeland Security launched investigation with ICE and New York State Police involvement
- DHS officials link the threat to escalating violence against federal officers fueled by rhetoric comparing agents to Nazis
- No arrests or charges have been publicly announced as investigation continues
Direct Threat Against Federal Law Enforcement Officers
The Department of Homeland Security initiated an investigation into an American citizen who attempted to purchase a firearm on two separate occasions in Kenmore, New York. During these attempts, the woman explicitly stated her intent was to protect herself from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and to kill ICE agents. The investigation involves ICE agents from New York working jointly with the New York State Police. As of January 27, 2026, authorities have not released the woman’s identity or disclosed whether charges have been filed against her.
Pattern of Violence Against Immigration Officers
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a stark warning about the escalating dangers faced by federal immigration enforcement personnel. McLaughlin stated that ICE and CBP officers face daily assaults, vehicle-ramming attacks, and attempts on their lives. The assistant secretary emphasized that these officers are fathers and mothers who simply want to return home safely after enforcing the nation’s immigration laws. This incident represents a troubling escalation where violent intent was explicitly articulated during attempted firearm purchases, distinguishing it from other harassment cases against federal agents.
Inflammatory Rhetoric Creates Dangerous Climate
DHS officials directly connected this threat to years of inflammatory comparisons equating ICE agents with historical oppressors. The woman’s stated motivations reflect rhetoric that has compared immigration enforcement officers to Nazi Gestapo, secret police, and slave patrols. This dehumanizing language, amplified by activist groups and some political figures, creates an environment where violence against federal law enforcement becomes justified in perpetrators’ minds. McLaughlin called for an immediate end to this violence and dehumanization, noting that such rhetoric has real-world consequences for officers performing their lawful duties under federal immigration statutes.
Broader Implications for Officer Safety
The investigation highlights growing concerns about the safety of federal immigration enforcement personnel operating in sanctuary jurisdictions and areas with heightened anti-ICE sentiment. DHS has established reporting mechanisms for harassment of ICE agents, including a hotline at 866-347-2423 and an online tip submission form. The department’s public announcement of this investigation appears designed to send a strong message that threats against federal officers will be aggressively prosecuted. Short-term implications include heightened security protocols for ICE personnel in New York, while long-term effects could influence policy discussions about protecting federal agents from politically motivated violence.
Constitutional and Security Concerns
This case raises critical questions about how anti-government rhetoric translates into actionable threats against federal law enforcement. The woman’s ability to attempt multiple gun purchases despite stating intent to kill federal officers suggests potential gaps in background check procedures or information sharing between gun dealers and law enforcement agencies. For conservatives who value both Second Amendment rights and law enforcement safety, this incident underscores the importance of existing systems designed to prevent firearms from reaching individuals who articulate violent criminal intent. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact DHS through established reporting channels.
Sources:
New York woman tried to buy gun to ‘kill ICE agents,’ DHS investigating – KVIA
