DHS Criticizes MSNBC Over Segment Featuring ICE Monitoring Group

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sharply criticized MSNBC after a segment on the network highlighted an activist group that trains volunteers to monitor U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and is now redirecting these efforts toward election-related activities.

DHS issued a statement Sunday, accusing MSNBC of promoting actions that undermine law enforcement and pose risks to officers. The criticism stems from a segment on "Connect with Jacob Soboroff" that featured the nonprofit States at the Core. The network described the group's volunteers, previously known as "ICE Watch," as now "protecting the polls."

States at the Core, which describes its work as opposing authoritarianism, has advertised training sessions on both ICE monitoring and election protection. The segment referenced reporting from The Intercept about activists preparing to monitor polling locations.

A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital that tools used to track federal agents could endanger law enforcement personnel and interfere with their operations. The spokesperson cited a significant increase in assaults, vehicle attacks, and death threats against ICE officers, stating that such monitoring applications put officers' lives at risk.

"Shame on MS NOW for promoting efforts to undermine those who keep our communities and streets safe from illegal alien crime," the DHS spokesperson said. "ICE tracking apps put the lives of the men and women of law enforcement in danger as they go after terrorists, vicious gangs and violent criminal rings."

In March, States at the Core announced its "Beyond ICE Watch" program, aiming to expand neighborhood organizing beyond immigration enforcement monitoring. Previously, the group advertised training sessions that adapted ICE Watch techniques for midterm elections, including documenting activities around communities and elections. The organization stated its mission is to "help everyday people fight authoritarianism; help people fight for their freedoms."

This initiative has drawn scrutiny before. In February, a co-founder of States at the Core reportedly trained "rapid responders" to use the military-derived "SALUTE" observation method—an acronym for size, activity, location, uniform, time, and equipment—when documenting federal immigration personnel. The FBI has also been investigating alleged Signal groups used by anti-ICE activists for tracking and potentially impeding federal law enforcement officers.

DHS has reported a substantial rise in assaults against ICE personnel, stating that 647 assaults occurred between January 2025 and September 2026, a 1,649% increase compared to the corresponding period under the Biden administration.

"Glorifying resistance to lawful immigration enforcement is irresponsible and dismissive of the victims and families who have suffered because of crimes committed by criminal illegal aliens," the DHS spokesperson added. "Assaulting and obstructing ICE law enforcement is a crime and felony. Anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."