DHS Secretary blames sanctuary policies as ICE officer assaults surge 1,649%

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin publicly attributes a 1,649% surge in assaults on ICE officers to sanctuary-city policies and anti-ICE protests, escalating federal-local tensions. The figure is an official claim, not independently verified, and the political framing suggests a policy push rather than a neutral report. This matters as it signals potential federal action against sanctuary jurisdictions and heightened political polarization over immigration enforcement.