Cartels issuing bounties up to $50,000 for hits on ICE, CBP agents: DHS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently revealed that Mexican drug cartels have implemented a structured bounty program targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. This alarming development highlights the escalating threat that federal personnel face in carrying out their duties to enforce immigration laws and protect the country’s borders.

According to DHS, these drug cartels have established a tiered bounty system, offering rewards for various levels of violence against ICE and CBP agents. The incentives range from $2,000 for gathering intelligence and doxing agents, to $5,000–$10,000 for kidnapping or non-lethal assaults, and up to $50,000 for the assassination of high-ranking officials. This dangerous scheme underscores the lengths to which criminal organizations are willing to go to undermine law enforcement efforts.

In a recent case, a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings was charged by the Justice Department for putting a bounty on Greg Bovino, the CBP Commander overseeing operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. This specific incident highlights the direct targeting of law enforcement officials by these criminal networks.

Furthermore, DHS has reported that gangs like the Latin Kings have deployed “spotters” armed with firearms and radio communications to track the movements of CBP and ICE agents in real-time. This strategic approach poses a significant threat to the safety and security of federal personnel operating in high-risk areas.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem condemned these actions, stating, “These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law, they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities.” Noem emphasized that law enforcement agents are facing ambushes, surveillance, and death threats in the line of duty, and vowed to uphold American justice in the face of these threats.

The recent legal battle surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago as protection for immigration enforcement officers further underscores the challenges faced by federal agencies. A district judge temporarily blocked the deployment of troops to Illinois, citing concerns of civil unrest and the provocative nature of ICE enforcement activities in the state.

Despite the legal hurdles, DHS remains resolute in its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the nation’s borders. The ongoing threat posed by Mexican drug cartels and criminal organizations underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for law enforcement efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Americans.