Victor Davis Hanson Slams Democrats' Anti-ICE Rhetoric on Fox News

Tracing the Spread of Anti-ICE Messaging

Hoover Institution senior fellow Victor Davis Hanson appeared on 'The Ingraham Angle' on Fox News to discuss the troubling trend of Democrats' anti-ICE messaging and its impact on public perception and safety. Posted on July 9, 2025, Hanson provided a detailed historical perspective on how this rhetoric has evolved, particularly focusing on the events of 2020. He argued that the lack of consequences for certain actions during that period sent a dangerous message to leftist protesters, emboldening attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and facilities.

Hanson emphasized that the narrative pushed by some Democratic leaders painted ICE as an oppressive force, likening their operations to historical atrocities. This framing, he noted around the 2:30 mark of the discussion, has contributed to a significant increase in hostility toward ICE personnel. He pointed out that such messaging has real-world consequences, with a reported 700% surge in assaults on ICE agents, a statistic highlighted in related coverage on the White House website.

Historical Context and Political Responsibility

Diving deeper into the issue at about the 4:15 point, Hanson traced the roots of this anti-ICE sentiment back to the 2020 protests, where he believes the lack of accountability for violent actions against federal authorities set a precedent. He argued that Democratic leaders failed to condemn these acts strongly enough, which in turn amplified the narrative that ICE agents were akin to invaders in American cities. Hanson stressed that this rhetoric is not just political posturing but a catalyst for violence, as seen in recent attacks on agents.

He also referenced specific instances where Democratic messaging seemed to inspire hostility, suggesting that many on the left viewed illegal immigration as a political tool to shift demographics in key states. This perspective, shared in posts found on X and echoed in his commentary around the 6:00 mark, underscores his belief that there are 'culpable people' within political circles who have fueled this dangerous trend. Hanson’s analysis aligns with sentiments expressed in recent articles from The Daily Signal, where he discusses the broader strategy of the left in escalating radical actions.

Current Implications for ICE and Border Security

Moving to the present implications near the 8:20 segment of the interview, Hanson expressed concern over the continued vilification of ICE, especially under the current administration’s efforts to strengthen border security. He noted that while President Donald J. Trump has prioritized the safety of American communities through robust immigration enforcement, the opposition’s rhetoric undermines these efforts. Hanson highlighted comments from Border Czar Tom Homan, who recently discussed on Fox News the challenges ICE agents face, including legislative attempts to hinder their operational safety.

The surge in assaults—79 agents attacked this year alone, as reported in related discussions on Fox News—demonstrates the tangible risks faced by those tasked with securing the nation’s borders. Hanson argued that this hostility is a direct result of years of unchecked anti-ICE narratives, which have painted agents as enemies rather than protectors. His commentary serves as a call to recognize the sacrifices of these agents and to push back against policies or messages that endanger them.

A Call for Accountability and Support

Toward the end of his segment at approximately the 10:45 mark, Hanson urged a reevaluation of how political discourse shapes public attitudes toward law enforcement agencies like ICE. He stressed that supporting ICE is not about partisan politics but about ensuring the safety and security of American citizens. His words resonate with a broader conservative perspective that values law and order, especially in the face of rising threats at the border.

Hanson’s appearance on 'The Ingraham Angle' reinforces the administration’s stance under President Trump to uphold immigration laws without apology. As discussions around border security intensify, his analysis provides a critical lens through which to view the intersection of political rhetoric and real-world violence. The ongoing attacks on ICE agents, fueled by years of divisive messaging, remain a pressing concern that demands attention and action from leaders committed to protecting the nation.