Rep. John Larson (D-CT) last week reaffirmed his controversial comparison of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Nazi-era organizations, saying he had no regrets about the remarks.
“Someone said to me, don’t you regret that you referred to ICE as Gestapo and SS?” Larson said at a West Hartford community meeting on October 3. “No.”
Recent months have seen a surge in violence against ICE, including a deadly shooting at a Dallas field office, riots at facilities in Illinois and Oregon, and multiple assaults on federal officers during protests in Portland and Chicago.
Lawmakers from both parties have urged a return to measured discourse. Several members of Congress have emphasized that inflammatory comparisons, whether directed at ICE or other agencies, can contribute to a climate of hostility and risk inciting violence.
Rep. John Larson has served in Congress since 1999, representing Connecticut’s 1st District. A senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Larson has focused heavily on issues like Social Security reform, tax policy, and infrastructure investment.
Over the years, Larson has also played a prominent role in Democratic leadership, previously chairing the House Democratic Caucus and helping shape messaging during key legislative battles.
