CA prosecutor defends masked federal agents as ICE doxxing arrest unfolds
The Santa Monica case highlights tensions over enforcement tactics, safety measures and copycat threats amid ongoing ICE operations.
LOS ANGELES — A California prosecutor publicly defended the use of masked federal agents during immigration enforcement operations, saying facial coverings protect officers, witnesses and the integrity of sensitive investigations. The remarks followed the arrest this week of a Santa Monica man accused of doxxing and harassing an ICE attorney, an incident prosecutors described as part of a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at federal immigration officials.
According to the Justice Department, Gregory Curcio published private or identifying information about an ICE attorney with malicious intent. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted. ICE Operation At Large Commander Gregory Bovino said on social media that anyone who targets immigration officers should take notice, signaling that federal authorities intend to pursue such cases vigorously.
Observers noted that Curcio’s case comes amid a broader push by federal agents in major urban centers, with recent operations in Los Angeles and Chicago. The architect of those raids warned copycats to reconsider any plans to imitate the tactics, underscoring the potential risks faced by people who threaten or harass officials. The California prosecutor’s comments on masking reflect a wider legal and political conversation about the balance of safety and transparency in federal enforcement. 
Separately, Dallas law enforcement responded to a shooting at an ICE field office on Sept. 24, 2025. Investigators described the incident as active, with officials reviewing evidence at the scene and coordinating with federal authorities. There were no immediate reports of fatalities. 
On a different note, the White House has pursued public-facing symbolism in its agenda, including a Presidential Walk of Fame feature that revealed a Biden portrait replaced by an autopen image, a development that drew attention amid ongoing debates about executive messaging and heritage. 
As the political debate over immigration policy, enforcement oversight and public rhetoric continues to unfold on Capitol Hill, the Santa Monica case and related enforcement actions illustrate how safety concerns, legal norms, and political dynamics intersect in the current US political landscape.