Rhode Island Democrat Puts Himself in the DHS Crosshairs with Wild Anti-ICE Remarks

Rhode Island State Representative Enrique Sanchez is once again facing scrutiny for his inflammatory rhetoric targeting federal immigration enforcement, just weeks after sparking controversy with comments about a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Providence.

Sanchez, a Democrat representing Rhode Island’s 9th District, drew national attention in mid-July after ICE agents arrested an illegal alien in Providence who allegedly self-identified as a member of the MS-13 gang.

Following the arrest, Sanchez posted on X, calling ICE agents “Nazi Gestapo ICE thugs” and accusing them of “kidnapping another of our neighbor in Providence this morning.”

It will be soon the day that I confront these Nazi ICE thugs in person for terrorizing our communities. It will be a day of reckoning and no going back.

I hope the people of Providence and Rhode Island have our back. They will try to end our work and put down our struggle.

— State Representative Enrique Sanchez (@EnriqueForRI) July 31, 2025

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He also claimed ICE agents had damaged vehicles belonging to residents during the operation, stating, “They think they are above the law.”

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ICE issued a public response refuting Sanchez’s claims, but the lawmaker did not retract his comments and instead doubled down on his assertions.

Now, just two weeks after his initial remarks, Sanchez has escalated his language again, making additional comments that some interpreted as suggesting a possible physical confrontation with ICE agents.

Though he did not explicitly state what he meant by “confront,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly taken note.

This comes amid reports of a sharp rise in attacks on immigration enforcement personnel, with assaults on ICE agents reportedly increasing by over 800 percent.

Sanchez previously stated that he would be willing to face legal consequences in his efforts to stop ICE operations in Rhode Island.

“I am ready to get politically prosecuted and arrested by federal authorities if ICE performs raids and arrests residents in Rhode Island,” Sanchez declared in a prior social media post.

Rhode Island Rep Enrique Sanchez @EnriqueForRI is ready to get arrested for interfering w federal law.

He’s “ready to go down.”

We’re ready too, Enrique! You got this!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ZdCW1tWEw8

— Nicole Solas, Sued by the Teachers Union (@Nicoletta0602) January 27, 2025

While Sanchez has not been arrested in connection to any immigration enforcement protest activity, he was arrested earlier this year in an unrelated incident.

According to police records, Sanchez was taken into custody in February on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

During a traffic stop, an officer asked Sanchez to complete a field sobriety test.

Sanchez allegedly declined and instead asked if he could order an Uber. The officer informed him that he could not do so, and Sanchez again refused to perform the test.

At his initial court appearance, Sanchez pleaded not guilty to the DWI charge.

He has since pleaded not guilty to lesser civil charges, including refusal to submit to a chemical test and failure to obey traffic control devices.

Sanchez’s continued criticism of ICE and statements about obstructing immigration enforcement have raised concerns among federal authorities.

According to a DHS source familiar with the situation, officials are monitoring the matter to determine whether any further action is warranted in light of the lawmaker’s remarks.

The July arrest in Providence that originally drew Sanchez’s reaction involved the detention of an illegal alien who ICE said had self-admitted to being affiliated with MS-13, a transnational criminal organization designated by the U.S. government as a significant public safety threat.

ICE confirmed the individual was apprehended in accordance with existing immigration law and was placed in custody for further processing.

ICE also stated that any damage claims made by Sanchez had not been substantiated, and that the agency followed appropriate procedures during the operation.

Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security said the department is taking the threats seriously and is committed to protecting federal law enforcement personnel engaged in lawful duties.

Cowards like this Rhode Island State Rep hide behind their keyboards and threaten the brave men and women of ICE.

If you lay a hand on ICE law enforcement we will arrest you and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. https://t.co/3LqIPmnFXr

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) July 31, 2025