In these increasingly chaotic times, it’s hard not to notice the troubling rise in assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The numbers are staggering, with assaults shooting up by a jaw-dropping 830% just this year. It’s almost like a bad action movie, except it’s real life, and these agents are on the front lines every day to protect law-abiding citizens. However, despite their brave efforts, they find themselves caught in the crossfire of misguided political attacks and caricaturing rhetoric.

Unfortunately, it seems like these attacks on ICE are a page straight out of an extreme political script. Certain politicians have managed to create a monster by demonizing these agents and labeling them with all sorts of extreme terms. By doing so, they lend some twisted form of legitimacy to these violent acts against the agents. Oddly enough, even while throwing rhetorical stones, these critics seem to forget that ICE is responsible for removing dangerous criminals from our streets, making everyone—regardless of political affiliation—safer.

Now, it might be hard to believe, but there’s actually a proposed measure that would criminalize ICE agents for simply wearing masks. Yes, masks. While Michigan lawmakers are trying to push this measure through, one can’t help but wonder if this isn’t just a cheap attempt at grabbing votes rather than a legitimate safety concern. Anyone with a smidgen of understanding about the law would know that federal agents need not be micromanaged in this way by state lawmakers.

In this political circus, many have lost sight of the importance of ICE’s mission to secure communities and improve quality of life. By undermining these efforts, critics are effectively championing policies that align with open borders—an agenda they have not been shy about in the past. It’s alarming how quickly some will abandon reason for the sake of political theatrics, while law enforcement continues to face the real threats head-on.

The advice for the Republican Party is clear: they need to effectively communicate the benefits of the initiatives they’re backing and remind everyone of the crucial role ICE plays in national security. There’s a job to be done informing the public just how essential ICE is in maintaining order and safety. Perhaps with more clarity and less noise, Americans can rally behind those who stand between them and those who wish them harm. Let’s just hope that common sense prevails before more damage is done.