A progressive Democratic state representative ignited debate by describing ICE agents as “Nazi Gestapo thugs” in response to an ICE operation in Providence, Rhode Island, which led to the arrest of a known MS-13 gang member.

“The Nazi Gestapo ICE thugs kidnapped another of our neighbors in Providence this morning. This time on Alverson St.,” stated Rep. Enrique Sanchez on social media. 

“The ICE thugs also caused damage to a few residents’ vehicles. They act as though they are above the law. I strongly condemn this act of terror and will be demanding answers and seeking action tomorrow. I am tired of this behavior. Providence does not want ICE thugs in our city.”

In public social media posts on both Instagram, X, and Facebook, Rhode Island Democratic state representative Enrique Sanchez referred to ICE as “Nazi Gestapo thugs” following an ICE arrest of an MS-13 gang member in Providence, RI. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

According to ICE Boston spokesperson James Covington, “Mendoza is a self-admitted member of MS-13 in Honduras and states he has committed crimes on behalf of the gang.”

ICE spokesperson Emily Covington criticized Sanchez’s remarks: “Mr. Sanchez thinks so little of his community that he refers to ruthless MS-13 as his ‘neighbors’? What say you, Providence? The only ‘thugs’ we see are the illegal terrorist gangbangers we are trying to remove from the neighborhoods of Providence.”

Representative Enrique Sanchez talked to reporters about his recent DUI arrest before the start of the Rhode Island House session on Feb. 11, 2025. He is pictured at his desk in the Rhode Island House chamber. (Kris Craig/The Providence Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mendoza originally entered the U.S. illegally near San Ysidro, California, in May 2019 and was quickly returned to Mexico. However, officials say he later re-entered the country unlawfully at an unknown time and place.

Sanchez, who has strongly opposed immigration enforcement, taunted ICE agents on Sunday after a farmworker died from injuries sustained from a fall during an immigration enforcement raid on a California cannabis farm. 

“F*** ICE,” Sanchez wrote. “Vallanse a la chingada ICE.”

“State Representative Enrique Sanchez (D), who was arrested for DUI earlier this year, calls ICE agents “Nazi Gestapo thugs” in an online rant after an MS-13 gang member facing fentanyl charges was arrested with a smile across his face,” Libs of TikTok commented on Sanchez’s statements.

“Just Democrats supporting criminal alien gangs over American citizens.” 

In 2023, Sanchez filed RI H5461, a bill to give illegal immigrants the right to vote in the state. However, the bill was tabled for further study a month after it was introduced.