In the world of politics and media, it’s often said that nothing surprises anymore. Yet, it seems the latest media narrative around the attack on ICE facilities has managed to shock even the most seasoned political observers. The clamor from certain corners of the media is suggesting that somehow ICE had it coming. Apparently, demanding law enforcement to ease up on doing their jobs is the new norm, lest they should expect violence in return. What an interesting approach from a sector that usually claims to oppose gun violence.
Some might argue it’s reminiscent of blaming a victim for a crime based on their appearance or actions, a line of reasoning most would call flawed at best and pernicious at worst. This kind of justification is as absurd as suggesting that people deserve violence based solely on their occupation. This twisted logic doesn’t hold up to the smallest bit of scrutiny, and yet, here they are, mainstream platforms nudging this narrative forward.
Perhaps what’s most frustrating is the apparent double standard in how such acts are presented in different contexts. If the roles were reversed, one would expect an uproar, yet here, there’s almost a defensive shrug as if this was an expected retaliation. With certain networks choosing to downplay the motives behind the violence or suggesting the targets simply had it coming, the question arises why such narratives are being spun at all.
While some politicians have remained notably silent, leaving their base to possibly draw their own conclusions, this silence speaks volumes. The lack of clear condemnation for such actions hints at either a tolerance for violence as long as it aligns with a specific narrative or a fear of alienating a vocal fringe. Spineless leadership is not an unfamiliar sight, but this particular dance around accountability seems especially egregious.
In a time that is desperate for clear and strong leadership, watching political figures decline to denounce outright violence is disheartening. To build a society that values civility and order, it shouldn’t be too much to expect a universal rejection of violence against those upholding the law. However, if this silence continues, it certainly sheds a revealing light on where true loyalties may lie—perhaps not with the safety and cohesion of the country, but with whatever keeps the loudest voices happy.
