ICE Reports 1,000% Surge in Officer Assaults Amid Apprehension of Twice-Deported Individual in San Diego

On August 11, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in San Diego, California, successfully apprehended an individual from Mexico who had been previously deported twice. The apprehension followed an attempted evasion during a vehicle stop, which resulted in a collision with government vehicles and injuries to a federal officer. This incident underscores the escalating dangers faced by ICE personnel, with the agency reporting a significant nationwide increase in assaults on its officers.

During a joint law enforcement operation, agents initiated a vehicle stop involving the suspect. The driver, identified as the twice-deported individual, then attempted to flee the scene in a reckless manner. This attempt to evade custody led to the suspect's vehicle colliding with two government vehicles, and a federal officer sustained injuries during the chaotic encounter.

Official records indicate the apprehended individual is a Mexican national with a history of immigration violations and criminal activity. The individual had been deported from the United States on two prior occasions, and also had a previous conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). Furthermore, ICE noted that the individual was smuggled into the U.S. twice in October 2020 by hiding in the trunk of a vehicle that passed through the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Patrick Divver, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) San Diego Field Office Director, commented on the operation, stating, > "This operation demonstrates the commitment of ERO officers to enforcing federal immigration laws and protecting public safety." Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego, further emphasized the agency's resolve, adding, > "The arrest of this individual for assaulting ICE officers underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety of law enforcement personnel and holding offenders accountable."

ICE officials highlighted the incident as an example of how "sanctuary city" policies can impede federal immigration enforcement and allow individuals with criminal backgrounds to remain in communities, posing public safety risks. The agency has observed a nationwide surge in assaults on its officers and agents, with a reported increase of over 1,000% compared to the previous year. This trend, according to ERO San Diego, reflects the heightened risks personnel encounter during their enforcement duties.