ICE defends – then deletes – social media post that led to death threats against CT lawmaker
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement condemned threats against state Rep. Corey Paris, but also accused him of endangering agents' safety. Hours later, ICE deleted the post on X.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement defended – and then deleted – a social media post on Wednesday that led to death threats against a state lawmaker from Stamford.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal is now calling for a congressional investigation into how the posting ended up on the agency’s official X account.
HOW IT BEGAN
It all started on Instagram.
As immigration enforcement ramped up in Connecticut last week, state Rep. Corey Paris (D-Stamford) posted, “I was made aware of multiple reports of ICE activity within our district … I urge residents to stay vigilant, stay aware of your surroundings, and, above all, prioritize your safety.”
The activity appears to be connected to “Operation Broken Trust,” a four-day sting that ended with 65 arrests. The agency said that more than two dozen suspects have violent criminal histories.
“The state of Connecticut is a safer place thanks to the hard work and determination of the men and women of ICE and our federal partners,” ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde said in a statement.
Although Paris did not reveal agents’ location, the conservative social media account “Libs of TikTok” falsely accused him of “doxxing ICE's live location." Doxxing is when someone reveals confidential information, like a home address, that puts people in danger.
FLOOD OF THREATS
Paris said violent and racist threats flooded in after ICE’s official X account shared the Libs of TikTok post, which included the words, “Charge him.”
ICE tagged the U.S. Justice Department in its post.
“It is unfortunate and alarming to be wrongfully targeted by a federal agency and even called for arrest by the DOJ,” Paris said in a statement. “However, my commitment to compassion, courage and community – and my refusal to be silenced when the safety of my neighbors is at stake – will never be shaken.”
In the coming days, Blumenthal plans to launch a Senate subcommittee investigation.
“Whoever at ICE is responsible for re-posting 'Charge Him,' should be held accountable,” he said at a Wednesday morning news conference. “If this kind of rogue, lawless act were done by the state agency in Connecticut, it would be shut down.”
The threats against Paris are also being investigated by the FBI, State Capitol Police and Stamford Police.
ICE DEFENDS POST
ICE condemned the threats on Wednesday, but also accused Paris of endangering agents.
“We condemn violence and threats of any kind,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “Notifying the public about ICE law enforcement operations endangers law enforcement and weakens American national security. Our ICE law enforcement is now facing an 1,000% increase in assaults.”
But Connecticut lawmakers from both parties said Paris did nothing wrong.
“He did not ‘dox’ federal agents or do anything to put federal agents at risk,” said Democratic Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
The Connecticut House Republican leader agreed.
“I don't agree with them,” said state Rep. Vin Candelora (R-North Branford). “When I looked at Rep. Paris’ statement, I didn't find anything inciting in it.”
But Candelora also pointed the finger at Democrats.
“They too have put up some posts that I would say are pretty incendiary, going back to [Senate Majority Leader Bob] Duff through the election cycle posting Hitler posts on Trump,” he said.
ICE deleted the X post as of Wednesday afternoon. The agency could not confirm whether it has referred Paris to federal prosecutors.
