The political landscape heats up as Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s office faces vandalism amidst rising anti-ICE sentiments.
Story Overview
- Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s Wisconsin office was vandalized with anti-ICE graffiti.
- The incident occurred shortly after a fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis.
- Van Orden blames Democratic rhetoric for inciting violence against ICE and GOP officials.
- The event highlights the increasing political polarization surrounding immigration enforcement.
Vandalism and Political Tensions
Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s Eau Claire office became the site of political unrest when a man attempted to force entry, shouting anti-ICE slogans. The incident occurred a day after ICE agents fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis, an event that sparked protests across the nation. Van Orden, a Republican congressman, quickly framed the attack as a direct result of the increasing anti-ICE rhetoric promoted by Democratic figures. The vandalism, featuring slogans like “F-ck I.C.E.” and “Your Turn,” was captured and shared by Van Orden on social media, further fueling the political debate.
Pic: GOP rep's office 'targeted' in anti-ICE vandalism attack https://t.co/0ulTGnoAjG pic.twitter.com/hDzHjLGNk3
— American Military News (@AmerMilNews) January 10, 2026
Van Orden’s response to the incident highlights a significant aspect of the ongoing political discourse—how rhetoric can potentially incite real-world actions. By attributing the attack to Democratic rhetoric, Van Orden seeks to underline the dangers of what he perceives as inflammatory discourse surrounding immigration enforcement. This narrative aligns with a broader Republican stance that positions ICE as a critical component of national security, often under siege by left-wing activism.
The Minneapolis Connection
The events at Van Orden’s office are intrinsically linked to the shooting in Minneapolis, where ICE agents were involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good. According to law enforcement, Good used her vehicle as a weapon against the agents, prompting the deadly response. The Department of Homeland Security and Trump-aligned officials defended the ICE agent’s actions as self-defense, while anti-ICE protests erupted, denouncing the shooting as excessive force. This incident not only sparked demonstrations but also served as a catalyst for the vandalism at Van Orden’s office, highlighting the volatile nature of immigration-related issues.
As protests continue in Minneapolis and beyond, the narrative surrounding the shooting and subsequent vandalism becomes a battleground for political ideologies. For Republicans, it is a call to action to protect law enforcement against perceived threats, while many on the left view it as another example of systemic issues within ICE and immigration policy.
Political and Social Implications
The implications of these events extend beyond immediate political rhetoric. They touch on deeper societal divisions regarding immigration and law enforcement. For Van Orden, the incident is a tool to rally his base, emphasizing the threats posed by radical anti-ICE activists. In the short term, this could lead to increased security for congressional offices and potentially more stringent laws against targeting federal facilities. Long-term, the polarization surrounding ICE may deepen, with each side using these incidents to bolster their narratives.
Moreover, the portrayal of Good as a radicalized individual by Van Orden and others shifts the discourse from law enforcement actions to the influence of political speech. This reframing attempts to hold rhetorical opponents accountable for real-world violence, a tactic that could further entrench partisan divides.
