Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy (D) defended anti-ICE rhetoric Thursday during a “Morning Joe” appearance, claiming that criticism of federal immigration enforcement does not constitute incitement to violence.
His remarks come amid a series of attacks on ICE agents and facilities nationwide, including a recent deadly shooting in Dallas.
According to investigators, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn targeted the Dallas ICE center, killing one detainee, critically wounding two others and taking his own life.
Resist the Mainstream highlighted that Jahn reportedly left behind handwritten notes describing plans to terrorize ICE personnel.
One note read, “Hopefully this will give ICE agents real terror, to think, ‘is there a sniper with AP rounds on that roof?’”
Murphy argued that Democrats must continue speaking out against ICE practices, framing his comments as part of legitimate political debate.
“No, criticizing the way that ICE is rounding up people in this country in a deeply inhumane and immoral way is not an incitement to violence,” he said, adding that the line is only crossed when individuals deliberately plan attacks.
He further contended that political opponents exploit violent incidents selectively to suppress dissent on the left.
The Connecticut lawmaker’s remarks underscore a national debate over rhetoric and security, particularly