A Democratic Rhode Island state representative has drawn sharp criticism for his recent social media comments targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including a vow that the agency called “reckless and dangerous.” State Rep. Enrique Sanchez posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday stating, “Your day of reckoning will come mother——.” He directed his anger at the agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, particularly in light of the Trump administration's policies.

Sanchez, who works as a case manager assisting undocumented immigrants, has a history of strong criticism towards ICE. In August 2025, he referred to ICE officers as “Nazi Gestapo thugs” and accused them of “kidnapping another of our neighbors” in Providence. He also stated that ICE officers damaged residents' cars during an enforcement action and suggested they believed they were above the law. Two weeks later, Sanchez again criticized ICE for “terrorizing” communities and called for “a day of reckoning and no going back.” More recently, he described ICE officers as “Nazi ICE trash thugs” after an ICE agent shot and killed a Colombian man in Maine on July 13 during an attempted traffic stop.

The Rhode Island Republican Party condemned Sanchez's remarks. Allyn Meyers, chair of the state GOP, stated that Sanchez's rhetoric is “reckless and dangerous” and puts law enforcement officers at greater risk. Meyers emphasized that ICE agents have been targeted for violence and assassination, and that such language does not enhance community safety but rather endangers officers. He urged Sanchez to retract his statement and called for leaders to unite communities.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also responded, asserting that Sanchez should be grateful for ICE's work in removing criminals. A DHS spokesperson stated that attacks and demonization of ICE officers are wrong, contributing to a reported 1,300% increase in assaults against them. The spokesperson highlighted that ICE officers arrest individuals involved in serious crimes, including murder, rape, and human trafficking, and that these actions save lives. DHS provided examples of individuals with criminal convictions, including homicide and human trafficking, who have been removed from Rhode Island by ICE.

Sanchez was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2022.