House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino announced today that his first full committee hearing will focus exclusively on the escalating threat of violence against law enforcement personnel across all levels. The New York Republican emphasized this shift during a Wednesday appearance on “Wake Up America,” stating, “We have to focus on this increase of attacks on our law enforcement.”
The scheduled session later this morning is designed specifically to examine recent spikes in assaults involving federal immigration agents and local municipal police forces nationwide. Garbarino stressed that the issue extends beyond isolated incidents or one specific region.
“My first hearing will spotlight rising violence against officers,” explained Garbarino, who characterized the trend as “across the board.” He added, “These men and women are out there protecting our country.”
Garbarino’s objective is twofold: to elevate awareness of threats facing officers nationwide and to formally frame this issue within the context of homeland security. The committee aims to examine what Garbarino describes as a climate contributing to hostility toward law enforcement through political rhetoric.
He believes inflammatory language has emboldened attackers, pointing to recent high-profile incidents against officers not just in immigration contexts but also among municipal police and sheriffs. “These guys are doing their jobs,” insisted Garbarino.
The new chairman noted that his initial agenda will prioritize protections for personnel enforcing the law while following existing statutes. Committee aides anticipate testimony from various law enforcement representatives regarding current trends in violence, threats, and transparency issues affecting officers.
