Title: Cartels’ Bounty System Targeting ICE & CBP Agents: A Growing Threat to National Security? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently issued an alarming warning about the growing threat posed by Mexican drug cartels. According to DHS, these criminal organizations have established a “tiered” bounty system for hits against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. This development has raised concerns about the safety of federal personnel responsible for enforcing immigration laws and protecting our borders from illegal entry. The DHS report comes amid a legal battle surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago, in part, as protection for immigration enforcement officers and facilities. Last week, District Judge April Perry temporarily blocked the deployment of troops from any U.S. state into Illinois, a ruling that will be in effect for 14 days. In her decision, Judge Perry cited concerns about potential violations of civil rights and due process protections. The bounty system allegedly offers $2,000 for intelligence gathering and doxing of agents, $5,000–$10,000 for kidnapping or non-lethal assaults on standard ICE/CBP officers, and up to $50,000 for the assassination of high-ranking officials. Gangs like the Latin Kings have also deployed “spotters” armed with firearms and radio communications to provide real-time movements of CBP and ICE agents. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has vowed not to back down from these threats, stating that every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will face American justice. She emphasized the bravery of immigration enforcement officers who continue to enforce laws despite facing ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats. The historical context for this development can be traced back to the ongoing drug war in Mexico, which has led to increased violence along our southern border. As cartels expand their operations into new territories, they are increasingly targeting law enforcement officials as part of their strategy to undermine state authority and establish control over smuggling routes. The potential implications of this bounty system extend beyond the immediate threat it poses to federal personnel. If left unchecked, these criminal networks could use their resources to infiltrate other government agencies or even private sector organizations involved in immigration enforcement efforts. This would create a ripple effect that undermines national security and erodes public trust in our institutions. In conclusion, the establishment of a bounty system targeting ICE & CBP agents is a serious threat to both national security and the rule of law. It underscores the need for increased cooperation between federal agencies, state governments, and local communities in addressing transnational crime and ensuring that those who risk their lives to protect our borders receive the support they deserve.
Source: [Original Article](https://abcnews.go.com/US/cartels-issuing-bounties-50000-hits-ice-cbp-agents/story?id=126521867)
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