The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly accused The New York Times of "false" reporting regarding claims that the FBI would no longer investigate confrontations involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The agency asserted that the relationship between DHS and the Justice Department in investigating assaults on federal officers has not changed and that the FBI will continue to investigate in accordance with agency policy.
In a statement shared on social media, DHS stated, "This is FALSE. The relationship between DHS and [the Justice Department] in investigating assault on federal officer cases has NOT changed, and [the FBI] will continue to investigate in accordance with agency policy." The agency added, "This administration has been clear, anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The New York Times, however, stands by its reporting. Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokesperson for the outlet, told Fox News Digital, "We're confident in the accuracy of our reporting, which revealed that Federal agents around the country were told in recent days that the F.B.I. would no longer investigate confrontations with immigration agents."
According to The New York Times' report, such a policy change, if enacted, would "sharply limit law enforcement scrutiny of immigration agents" and "effectively leaving the agency to investigate itself." The report noted that these confrontations "sometimes yield evidence that could be used to prosecute Department of Homeland Security agents implicated in violent encounters."
The Times also stated that its story included a joint statement from the Justice Department and DHS denying that such a change would be enacted. The outlet's reporting comes amid increased scrutiny over killings at the hands of federal officers, including two fatal shootings involving ICE officers in Maine and Texas earlier in July 2026. These incidents have led to renewed protests against immigration enforcement operations.
DHS has emphasized an increase in attacks on federal law enforcement officers, while reaffirming its partnership with the Justice Department in addressing crime and upholding the rule of law. In a joint statement, the agencies said they are "partners in addressing crime and upholding the rule of law, while securing the safety and security of American communities."