On September 24, a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility shocked the nation. Bullets left at the scene were marked with the words “ANTI-ICE.”
One detainee was killed and two others were hurt before the gunman turned the weapon on himself.
FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters this was no random crime but a clear sign of rising violence aimed at federal immigration officers. Both Fox News and the BBC confirmed those details.
This tragedy happened on the very same day Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford repeated his call for federal agents – specifically those with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – to be forced to show their faces during operations.
Attacks on federal immigration authorities are on the rise, with another deadly shooting targeting an ICE facility this morning.
Instead of supporting our men and women in law enforcement, @AaronDFordNV endorsed a policy that could put them in even greater danger.
If he’s… https://t.co/7Zvfyhl5t9 pic.twitter.com/CNszYr57Dn
— Nevada War Room – Better NV PAC (@BetterNevadaPAC) September 24, 2025
Nevada’s AG Joins California’s Lead
Just two days before the Dallas attack, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the so-called “No Secret Police Act.”
That law bans federal officers from wearing masks while carrying out their duties. Ford has been echoing similar ideas here in Nevada, saying ICE agents should not be allowed to cover their identities.
Progressives argue this is about “transparency.” They say the public has a right to know who is enforcing immigration laws in their communities.
But conservatives see something far more dangerous. When ICE agents are unmasked, they’re more easily targeted by drug cartels, human smugglers, or even radical activists who oppose immigration enforcement altogether.
And as the Dallas shooting shows, anti-ICE violence is no longer theoretical.
Rising Attacks on Federal Officers
The FBI’s 2024 Uniform Crime Report documented a 15 percent increase in assaults on federal officers compared to the year before.
These aren’t abstract numbers. They reflect real threats against men and women who put on the uniform every day to defend our borders.
Critics of Ford’s stance point out that Nevada, like many states, already struggles with cartel-related trafficking routes that run up through Las Vegas and Reno.
Weakening ICE officers’ ability to protect themselves doesn’t just make their jobs harder – it risks making our neighborhoods less safe.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz blasted California’s new law, calling it “a green light for anarchists to target our heroes in uniform.”
Conservative media outlets have echoed that message, warning that Nevada could follow in California’s footsteps if Ford gets his way.
A Dangerous Form of Political Theater
Many on the right also argue that these unmasking laws are less about public safety and more about politics.
California rolled out its new law with a splashy signing ceremony featuring Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other progressive leaders.
Critics see it as a publicity stunt, aimed at energizing the Democratic base rather than solving real problems.
Representative Jim Jordan went further, noting that states have no authority to tell federal officers how to do their jobs. In his words, laws like California’s are “symbolic but divisive,” designed to score political points against Republicans while undercutting law enforcement.
Connecting the Dots to Nevada Politics
The conservative PAC @BetterNevadaPAC blasted Ford’s call on social media this week, saying his stance “endangers ICE agents and erodes public trust in his leadership.”
That’s no small charge. Ford is widely seen as preparing a run for governor in 2026. His push to unmask ICE agents could become a major campaign issue, especially as conservatives rally around border security and public safety.
President Donald Trump put it bluntly on Truth Social: “Radical Left Democrats demonize law enforcement, call for ICE to be demolished, and compare our officers to Nazis. This dangerous rhetoric has consequences.”
Vice President JD Vance agreed, calling the unmasking push “an obsessive attack on law enforcement” by left-wing extremists.
Dallas Shooting Highlights What’s at Stake
For conservatives, this isn’t just about Nevada or California. It’s part of a national struggle over whether the country will stand with law enforcement or with activists who want to tear down the institutions that protect our borders.
The Dallas shooting is being investigated, and officials haven’t yet confirmed the shooter’s full motive. But the “ANTI-ICE” casings found at the scene are enough for many to connect the dots: hostile rhetoric leads to hostile actions.
As Trump prepares to visit Nevada for rallies this weekend, expect this issue to stay front and center.
The choice is clear: protect ICE agents and keep Nevada safe, or side with politicians like Aaron Ford who they say are putting politics above public safety.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
