FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Republican leaders in Fresno County are calling on national officials to condemn violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld led a press conference Tuesday condemning what he described as a growing wave of violence against ICE officers, following the recent ICE agent’s deadly force in Minneapolis.

“I personally strongly condemn the growing attacks on ICE agents,” Bredefeld said.

Bredefeld rejected claims that ICE poses a threat to local communities, instead, pointing to what he called increasing lawlessness tied to protests.

“ICE is not a danger or a threat to our community,” Bredefeld said.

During the press conference, Bredefeld cited new data from the Department of Homeland Security showing a sharp rise in vehicular attacks against ICE officers.

According to DHS, from January 21, 2025, through January 7, 2026, ICE officers experienced 66 vehicular attacks, compared with two during the same period the year before, a more than 3,000% increase.

“This is evidenced by the 3,200% increase,” Bredefeld said.

At the same time, ICE reports a significant increase in staffing, announcing a 120% manpower boost by early January 2026, adding roughly 12,000 officers and agents as part of a nationwide hiring effort.

The press conference came just days after anti-ICE protests were held in several cities, including one on Sunday along Blackstone and Nees avenues in Fresno.

Tensions briefly surfaced during Tuesday’s press conference when a reporter asked Bredefeld whether he had seen any threats against ICE locally.

“I have not. No,” Bredefeld replied.

When asked why it was still important to speak out now, Bredefeld responded sharply, referring to national developments.

No local policy changes or enforcement were announced at the press conference. However, some leaders said their message extends beyond party lines.

Supervisor Nathan Magsig said,

Our country is hurting and we need to recognize that pain,” Magsig said. “It’s hurting on the left and it’s hurting on the right.