Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to discuss the recent indictments of six protesters—dubbed the “Broadview 6”—charged with obstructing ICE officers outside the Broadview detention facility. Perez defended federal law enforcement and rejected claims from activist Kat Abughazaleh, a congressional candidate who characterized the charges as an assault on free speech.
Perez said the protesters’ claims of government overreach were false and dangerous, accusing professional agitators of deliberately provoking violent confrontations with law enforcement. “Our agents are performing lawful duties,” Perez said. “They’re targeting individuals with deportation orders and criminal records, not peaceful citizens. These activists create chaos, damage property, and then portray themselves as victims.”
He described a “thousand percent increase” in assaults and harassment against ICE agents in recent years, fueled by online doxing campaigns and inflammatory political rhetoric. “When politicians and activists call federal officers ‘barbarians’ or ‘secret police,’ it encourages violence against them,” he said.
Perez dismissed accusations that ICE has used excessive force, insisting that video evidence shows agents exercising restraint even while being attacked. “They’re getting hit with rocks, their vehicles are vandalized, and they’re still showing professionalism,” he said. “They’re using non-lethal tools only when necessary to protect themselves and the public.”
He also expressed support for the Pentagon’s newly announced plan to establish rapid response National Guard units in every state, trained to manage riots and mass unrest. “We’re not going to stop enforcing the law,” Perez said. “These agitators are becoming more organized and dangerous, and it’s time they understand that law and order will prevail.”
Perez said the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement priorities remain focused on criminals and national security threats. He cited former ICE director Tom Homan’s estimate that over 600,000 deportations will be completed by year’s end, the majority involving individuals with criminal convictions. “The difference under President Trump is deterrence,” Perez said. “We’ve ended catch and release. If you cross illegally, you’re going to be detained and returned.”
He added that the administration’s tougher policies have prompted more than one million migrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily. “They know we’re serious now,” he said. “Under Biden, people were encouraged to break the law. Under Trump, the message is clear—our borders are not open.”
Perez concluded that restoring enforcement credibility has improved both national security and morale within the ranks. “Applications to join ICE are up tenfold,” he said. “Americans want to serve and help secure the border. We’re finally seeing strength and accountability return to federal law enforcement.”