Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a new warning to undocumented immigrants during operations against them: avoid assaulting federal agents or they will face legal charges.

“WARNING: Assaulting an ICE agent is a serious federal crime!” ICE posted on its official Twitter account.

He added that undocumented immigrants are already in the United States illegally, so adding a federal crime to his case would be a bad idea.

“You're already here illegally and facing deportation. Do you really want to add assaulting a federal agent to the list? What a decision!” the message reads. “We will prosecute you.”

Immigrant advocacy organizations and lawyers have advised undocumented immigrants and their families against assaulting federal agents, as this can complicate their cases in immigration court. However, ICE's warning goes further, threatening federal charges.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have intensified their stance against any obstacles they perceive as hindering federal agents from carrying out their work.

In September, DHS stated that recording and posting videos of agents constitutes “violence” and threatened to file charges against those who record and photograph agents conducting immigration raids in their communities, despite First Amendment protections.

DHS Deputy Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin declared: “We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who unlawfully harass ICE agents.”

Previously, DHS Secretary, Kristi Noem accused federal agents of violence amid protests against raids targeting undocumented immigrants, regardless of whether they have a criminal record. “Anything that threatens them and their safety [the agents], such as the disclosure of personal information, like recording them on video during their operations,” Noem said. The Electronic Frontier Foundation reminds the public that recording federal agents is not a crime, but emphasizes the importance of not interfering with their activities. "You have the right to record law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties in public. Remain calm and courteous,” states part of their guide. “Do not interfere with law enforcement. If you are a bystander, maintain a safe distance from the scene you are recording. You may take photos or record video and/or audio. Law enforcement cannot order you to leave simply for recording, but they can order you to leave for reasons of public safety, even if you are recording.” Immigration lawyers recommend that immigrants do not resist arrest, much less resort to violence, during ICE operations.