Riley Gaines said on Fox News that undocumented immigrants should be prepared for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to eliminate threats during enforcement actions [1].

These comments come amid an intensifying national debate over immigration policy and the permissible use of force by federal agents. The rhetoric highlights a growing divide regarding the treatment of undocumented migrants and the boundaries of law enforcement authority in the U.S.

During a broadcast on Saturday, Gaines said that ICE could use lethal force against migrants [1]. She said, "it's pretty easy to not get shot by ICE" [1].

Critics have responded to the remarks, describing the suggestion that migrants are responsible for being shot as dangerous. The comments suggest that the avoidance of lethal force is a simple matter of compliance, or behavior, on the part of the undocumented individual [1].

While Gaines framed the situation as a matter of threat elimination, the discussion did not provide specific evidence or data regarding current ICE shooting statistics [1]. The focus of the segment remained on the potential for violence during deportation efforts and the expectations placed upon those being detained.

In a separate instance, Donald Trump said, "I'm not a big fan of Riley, actually" [2]. This comment indicates a lack of alignment between the activist and the former president despite their shared focus on certain conservative social issues.

Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, has transitioned into a public role as an activist focusing on women's sports and border security. Her appearance on Fox News served as a platform to advocate for stricter enforcement and a more aggressive posture by federal immigration authorities [1].

“"It's pretty easy to not get shot by ICE."”

The comments by Riley Gaines reflect a shift toward more aggressive rhetoric regarding the use of lethal force in domestic immigration enforcement. By suggesting that the responsibility for avoiding being shot lies with the migrant, the statement moves the conversation from policy and legality to the physical survival of undocumented individuals during federal operations.