The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rejected claims made by Florida Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Angie Nixon, who alleged that Republicans are "literally trying to kill" Black Americans and described Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a "weaponized paramilitary force" designed to terrorize minority groups.

Nixon made these statements in an interview on the "QNA: Questions Need Answers" podcast prior to winning Florida’s Democratic Senate primary. She argued that bipartisan cooperation with Republicans was unlikely, stating, "They’re literally trying to kill us. And they are doing it on camera."

Nixon also asserted that state-sanctioned violence has been present in Black communities, and that ICE operations exacerbate this issue. "ICE is now a weaponized paramilitary force that is designed to terrorize us," she said.

As an example, Nixon referenced a September 2025 operation in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood, where she alleged ICE agents zip-tied men, women, and children. The operation led to approximately two dozen detentions and targeted individuals suspected of belonging to the Tren de Aragua.

A DHS spokesperson stated that allegations of racial profiling by DHS law enforcement are "disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE." The department clarified that immigration status, not race or ethnicity, determines who is targeted for enforcement actions. DHS cited its authority under 8 U.S.C. § 1357 and its use-of-force policy, which includes de-escalation standards.

The department also referenced a 2025 Supreme Court order that temporarily allowed immigration operations in Southern California to resume amid litigation over whether officers conducted stops without reasonable suspicion.

DHS also reported that ICE personnel are facing escalating attacks and threats, citing a "highly coordinated campaign of violence" against law enforcement. The department stated that ICE officers have experienced a 1,300% increase in assaults, a 3,300% increase in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats.

Nixon, who defeated Alexander Vindman in the Democratic primary, is set to face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in November for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Marco Rubio.