Kristi Noem Says Bounties Taken Out on Federal Agents

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed Sunday that federal officers are facing an “unprecedented” threat as violent gangs, drug cartels, and terrorist groups have placed bounties on their heads.

Speaking on Fox & Friends Weekend, Noem described a shocking incident in Chicago on Saturday where a caravan of ten vehicles pursued and cornered federal agents. The confrontation ended with shots fired after suspects allegedly tried to run over officers with their vehicles while brandishing semi-automatic handguns.

“They had followed them, pinned them down … our agents had to protect themselves,” Noem said. “An individual ended up in the hospital after attacking these officers.”

Noem said intelligence indicates the attackers were part of an organized effort to intimidate and ambush law enforcement.

“We have specific officers and agents that have bounties put on their heads — $2,000 to kidnap them, $10,000 to kill them,” she warned. “They’ve released their pictures and circulated them through their networks. This is extremely dangerous and unprecedented.”

According to Noem, the groups behind these bounties include violent gangs, cartel members, and known foreign terrorist organizations.

“They’re targeting the most effective officers to stop operations that are cutting into their criminal profits,” she explained. “Our intelligence shows these people are organized and planning ambushes. We’ve changed operations and added protective details to keep our agents safe.”

Noem made clear the threat goes far beyond protest or rhetoric:

“This isn’t about free speech. They’re literally offering cash rewards to kill federal officers.”

While Noem laid out the stakes for law enforcement, Illinois’ Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker instead went on CNN to blame President Trump, accusing federal agents of heavy-handed tactics.

“They need to get the heck out of Chicago,” Pritzker complained, alleging agents damaged property and detained elderly residents while pursuing gang members.

Conservatives note that Pritzker’s comments ignore the real issue — violent gangs and cartels emboldened by years of lax enforcement. Noem said DHS will not back down despite the threats.

“We’re going to keep our officers safe, but we will not stop protecting Americans,” she vowed.