“…encouraging citizens to call 911 when they see ICE officers, that is very close to a federal crime.”
— Todd Blanche, U.S. Deputy Attorney General (the second-highest ranking official in the Department of Justice), speaking in an interview segment aired by Fox News and quoted by Fox News Digital (Anders Hagstrom, Jan. 18, 2026).
Note the absurdity: Truthfully calling 911 isn’t a federal crime. “Federal crime” territory is false reports / hoaxes (swatting) or other misuse — not “I saw federal agents and I’m calling dispatch.” Framing ordinary civic reporting as borderline criminal flips the baseline: seeking help and creating a public record becomes the suspicious act.
Deputy Attorney General: Calling 911 on ICE “Very Close to a Federal Crime”Deputy Attorney General: Calling 911 on ICE “Very Close to a Federal Crime”
— Todd Blanche, U.S. Deputy Attorney General (the second-highest ranking official in the Department of Justice), speaking in an interview segment aired by Fox News and quoted by Fox News Digital (Anders Hagstrom, Jan. 18, 2026).
Note the absurdity: Truthfully calling 911 isn’t a federal crime. “Federal crime” territory is false reports / hoaxes (swatting) or other misuse — not “I saw federal agents and I’m calling dispatch.” Framing ordinary civic reporting as borderline criminal flips the baseline: seeking help and creating a public record becomes the suspicious act.
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