Written by Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and member of the Law Enforcement Today Board of Advisors.
As the National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, I am compelled to respond to recent rhetoric and actions that have placed our nation’s federal law enforcement officers in unnecessary danger. These men and women have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect our communities—often at great personal risk. They deserve our full support, not political attacks.
Recent comments by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have raised serious alarm. In response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents wearing masks during enforcement operations—a precaution due to the growing number of doxxing incidents and violent threats—Leader Jeffries stated, “Every single one of them, no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes, will, of course, be identified.” These remarks are not only irresponsible but reckless, and they place the safety of federal agents and their families in direct jeopardy.
The decision by ICE agents to conceal their identities is not arbitrary—it is a direct response to a dramatic rise in threats. According to the Department of Homeland Security, assaults on federal officers have surged by over 400%. Masking identities during operations has become a necessary tactic to prevent agents and their loved ones from being targeted at their homes or online. For an elected official to publicly call for their identification, knowing the dangers involved, is an unacceptable breach of leadership.
Equally troubling is the blatant double standard. Some of the same politicians calling to defund or discredit law enforcement continue to benefit from around-the-clock protection provided by the very agencies they criticize. This kind of hypocrisy erodes morale within the law enforcement community and undermines public trust in our government institutions.
The increasing politicization of law enforcement—particularly surrounding immigration enforcement—is deeply concerning. Our federal agents are executing lawful directives issued by the executive branch. They do not make the law; they enforce it. To demonize them for doing their jobs is both unjust and dangerous.
While immigration policy remains a contentious political issue, one thing is clear: the facts speak for themselves. Since the beginning of the Trump administration in January 2025, violent crime across the country has dropped significantly. FBI data shows that murders in the first quarter of 2025 fell by 21.6% compared to the same period in 2024. The national murder rate has declined from 6.83 per 100,000 people in 2020 to 4.97 in 2024.
Major cities—including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans—have all reported double-digit declines in homicide rates. New York City alone experienced a 34.1% decrease in murders year-over-year. These improvements are being credited to renewed support for law enforcement, increased accountability for violent criminals, and more robust community-based prevention strategies. The Trump Administration’s focus on law and order appears to be yielding real results in restoring safety to our communities.
Public perception may not always reflect these improvements immediately, but the data is undeniable: violent crime is falling across the country, and our federal officers are a major part of that progress.
As National President of FLEOA, I may not agree with every policy or political decision, but I unequivocally stand behind the courageous men and women who wear the badge. They carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the safety of the American people. They should not be subjected to additional risks brought on by politically motivated attacks or careless public statements.
Our officers deserve respect, gratitude, and above all, protection. Words matter—especially when they come from elected leaders. It’s time we hold those leaders accountable for the consequences their words can bring.
Sincerely,
Mathew Silverman
National President
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
