Fox News host Sean Hannity ignited a fiery exchange with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, diving into the contentious issue of political rhetoric surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On Thursday, Hannity and Khanna engaged in a heated discussion on Fox News about how Democratic language toward ICE might be linked to increasing attacks on agents. Hannity challenged Khanna for not denouncing party members who have likened ICE officers to Nazis, while Khanna called for de-escalation and constitutional enforcement of immigration laws. The debate also touched on tragic cases involving unauthorized migrants and violent crimes, as well as specific incidents of assaults on ICE personnel.
The issue has sparked intense debate over whether political rhetoric on both sides is fueling hostility and endangering lives. While some argue that harsh words against ICE undermine law enforcement, others contend that inflammatory language about migrants distorts the broader immigration discussion.
According to the Daily Caller, Hannity brought forward heartbreaking examples to underscore his point, citing the murders of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray by unauthorized migrants. Riley was killed in February 2024 by blunt force trauma and asphyxiation, while Nungaray was raped and strangled in June 2024, her body discarded in a Texas river. These cases, Hannity argued, demand accountability and support for victims’ families.
“Some of them are murderers and rapists,” Hannity declared, pointing to specific crimes committed by unauthorized individuals. His frustration was palpable as he noted Khanna’s apparent inaction during a joint session speech honoring the victims’ families. If public officials won’t stand for justice, who will?
Khanna, for his part, urged a cooling of tensions across the board. “Why don’t we lower the temperature in this country, lower the rhetoric, figure out how we enforce immigration laws, but not have ICE agents shooting Americans,” he said. But does this call for calm address the gravity of crimes Hannity highlighted, or merely sidestep it?
The discussion also turned to a staggering rise in attacks on ICE agents, with assaults up 1,300% and vehicular incidents soaring 3,200% since early 2025, per Department of Homeland Security data. One incident involved an agent being struck with a snow shovel during a traffic stop, forcing the officer to shoot an assailant in the leg. These numbers paint a grim picture of escalating danger.
Another troubling case involved Renee Good, an American citizen shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross after she struck him with her car. Footage showed Good ignoring orders to exit her vehicle before accelerating into the agent, who suffered internal bleeding. Her wife’s shouts of encouragement during the incident only deepen the complexity of such encounters.
Khanna emphasized constitutional conduct by ICE, pointing to Good’s death as a cautionary tale. But when agents are under physical attack, as Ross was, where does the line between self-defense and overreach lie? This isn’t a simple policy fix—it’s a life-and-death dilemma.
Hannity accused Democrats of demonizing ICE with labels like “Gestapo” and “fascists,” citing remarks from figures like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter. Such language, he argued, dehumanizes agents and incites violence against them. When words become weapons, everyone loses.
Khanna countered by criticizing Republican rhetoric that paints unauthorized migrants as broadly criminal. He suggested both sides are guilty of excess, but is equivalence fair when Hannity’s examples are tied to specific, documented acts of violence? The comparison feels like a dodge.
Looking at Hannity’s evidence—a 16-page list of criminal acts by unauthorized migrants arrested in Minnesota, including rape and aggravated assault—the stakes of border security become undeniable. These aren’t abstract debates; they’re real-world consequences. Ignoring them risks more tragedy.
The clash between Hannity and Khanna mirrors a broader national struggle over immigration policy and enforcement. While protecting borders and supporting law enforcement are critical, so too is ensuring that operations respect constitutional boundaries. The challenge is balancing security with humanity.
Ultimately, the surge in violence against ICE agents and the pain of families like those of Riley and Nungaray demand serious dialogue, not soundbites. If rhetoric on either side keeps fanning flames, solutions will remain out of reach. It’s time to prioritize action over accusation.