Full Breakdown
Fugitive Illegal Alien Attempts to Strike ICE Officer in California
3/31/2026, 7:10:56 AM
Incident Overview
On March 25, 2023, Xa Lee, a Laotian citizen with a lengthy criminal history, attempted to evade arrest by striking a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer with his vehicle in Sacramento, California. The incident occurred during a vehicle stop as ICE officers sought to take Lee into custody. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Lee fled the scene after the attempted assault, and he remains at large.
Criminal Background
Xa Lee has a significant criminal record that includes multiple convictions: vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, petty theft, two counts of driving under the influence (DUI), resisting an officer, battery, and felony possession of a firearm. A federal immigration judge issued a deportation order for Lee in 2010, highlighting his status as a fugitive.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis commented on the incident, stating, "The officer, thankfully, did not sustain injuries. During the incident, ICE officers deployed their tasers." Bis also noted that this event is part of a "disturbing trend of vehicle attacks" against law enforcement. The DHS has called for public assistance in locating Lee, urging anyone with information to contact the ICE tip line.
Criticism & Opposition
The DHS's statement pointed to a broader context in which Democratic officials have allegedly advised undocumented immigrants on how to evade ICE. This includes remarks from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Dan Goldman. Critics argue that such guidance may contribute to incidents like Lee's evasion of law enforcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the DHS has provided details about Lee's criminal history and the incident, there is no information regarding the specific circumstances that led to the attempted assault or the current status of the search for Lee. Additionally, the perspectives of local community members or immigrant advocacy groups regarding this incident have not been included in the available reports.
What's Next
As the search for Xa Lee continues, ICE remains focused on apprehending him and addressing the broader implications of such incidents on public safety and immigration policy. The agency is actively seeking tips from the public to aid in the investigation.
