Washington, Jan 16 (NationPress) The White House has come out in strong support of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the wake of violent disturbances in Minneapolis, pointing fingers at Democratic leaders and certain media outlets for fomenting animosity towards federal law enforcement officials engaged in immigration operations.

During a crowded White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that ICE agents were upholding immigration laws and were compelled to defend themselves during a specific operation in Minneapolis that turned violent.

“These are among the most troubling crimes you can imagine,” Leavitt remarked, referencing the individuals ICE sought to apprehend. “Only a handful of reporters here will actually discuss these individuals.”

Leavitt dismissed media claims implying that federal agents behaved inappropriately, asserting that the administration would not accept what it perceives as misleading reporting. “For accurate information, refer to the data released by the Department of Homeland Security,” she advised.

Leavitt explained that ICE agents were executing “a targeted operation against a Venezuelan illegal immigrant who was in the country unlawfully.” She noted that when agents tried to detain this person, “three associates rushed out of a residence, ambushing and attacking the ICE agent.”

“They assaulted him with a shovel or a broom,” she continued. “Hence, that agent had to resort to self-defense and draw his weapon to safeguard his life.”

The administration believes that incendiary language from Democratic officials has incited violence against federal officers. “Democratic governors and mayors not just in Minneapolis but across the nation—who have vilified ICE agents—are putting our brave men and women at risk,” she asserted.

She emphasized that such rhetoric has tangible repercussions. “They’ve even labeled them as Nazis and the Gestapo, which is unequivocally inciting the violence we observe in the streets,” Leavitt stated.

In response to inquiries regarding protests and vandalism linked to the incident, Leavitt attributed the unrest to elected officials in sanctuary cities. “That’s the reality in Minneapolis,” she remarked. “This is what's happening in these Democratic-controlled cities and states, where officials are endorsing violence against our dedicated law enforcement personnel.”

Leavitt also held the media accountable for exacerbating tensions. “The media is undeniably complicit in this violence,” she declared, pointing to what she characterized as misleading headlines about the event.

In a heated exchange with a reporter who questioned the administration’s portrayal of ICE’s actions, Leavitt accused the journalist of bias. “You’re a left-wing hack. You’re not acting as a reporter,” she said. “You should be focusing on the facts and the cases.”

She further championed ICE, stating that agents operate under the direction of their superiors. “These are valiant men and women who have families, don uniforms daily, and adhere to our nation’s immigration laws,” Leavitt remarked.

On the broader immigration enforcement agenda, Leavitt stated that ICE remains dedicated to detaining individuals unlawfully residing in the United States. “ICE is focused on apprehending individuals who are unlawfully present,” she noted, adding that “hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants have been arrested and deported by ICE over the past year.”

She reiterated that this remains the administration’s aim. “That’s their mission and objective,” Leavitt concluded.