Stamford Lawmaker Receives Threats After Social Media Post About ICE

STAMFORD, CT — State Rep. Corey Paris (D-145) has received threats following a social media post in which he alerted residents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Stamford.

Paris posted on social media last week that he became aware of reports of ICE activity within his district, and he urged residents "to remain vigilant, stay aware of your surroundings, and, above all, prioritize your safety." He also encouraged residents to inform local advocacy groups about any ICE activity.

"Our community is strongest when we remain informed, united, and committed to protecting the dignity and safety of all who call it home," Paris added.

On Aug. 15, a popular right-wing social media account, Libs of TikTok, which has 4.3 million followers on X, posted a screenshot of Paris' message and tagged the official ICE and Department of Homeland Security accounts.

"Connecticut State Rep. Corey Paris (D) posted on instagram doxxing ICE’s live location and warning illegals to stay 'vigilant.' He’s helping illegals evade arrest and impeding ICE. Charge him," the post said.

"Doxxing" is the act of researching and publicly revealing private or identifying information about an individual or organization online, typically with the intent to cause harm.

The official ICE account then shared the Libs of Tiktok post and tagged the United States Department of Justice.

Replies to the posts called for Paris to be arrested, imprisoned and removed from office.

"Charge him is not enough. That’s sedition," one reply said.

"Don't just arrest him, prosecute him and lock him up. It's time to start setting some examples," another reply said.

According to the Hartford Courant, Paris received a threatening phone call from someone who said they were "coming for" him and his family. Paris was also called the "n-word." State Police are investigating, the Courant reported.

Paris issued a statement following the incident.

"I do not regret standing up for the targeted and voiceless. I do not regret choosing compassion, vigilance, and safety for all who call our community home. Leadership is not always easy, but it is always necessary. And I will continue to do what I have always promised, to serve, to stand, and to speak for those who too often are unheard," Paris said.

"I was taken aback by the attacks that followed and concerned about the safety of my own loved ones. However, this is the reality our friends and neighbors who are immigrants live with every single day: the constant fear that their families could be targeted, disrupted, or torn apart," Paris added.

Paris thanked those who have reached out with support.

"I know it pales in comparison to the fear and uncertainty undocumented families in our community face every single day. While I may carry the weight of criticism, they carry the weight of being targeted, silenced, and made voiceless," he said.

Other elected officials have weighed in and voiced support for Paris in the days since.

"Rep. Paris’s message of ‘neighbors looking out for neighbors’ is powerful and not uncommon for an elected official," said CT House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-1). "Any threats and racist taunts are disgusting and they will be investigated and those responsible will be held accountable."

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) posted on X on Monday.

"Let's be clear - Corey Paris did nothing wrong. Nothing illegal. Explaining what the government is doing is not a crime in America. This post from @ICEgov is dime store totalitarian intimidation. Nobody should fall for it," Murphy said.

On behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus, state Sen. Stephen Harding (R-30) issued a statement on the threats Paris has received.

"There must be zero tolerance for these threats. Violence and threats of violence are never acceptable. There is no place for this, it has to stop, we condemn it in the strongest of terms, and we are glad Rep. Paris and his family are safe," Harding said.

On Tuesday morning, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw released a joint statement on reports of recent ICE activity in the city, "including arrests inside the Stamford Superior Courthouse on August 11 and reports of enforcement actions in the South End and West Side."

"The City of Stamford is a welcoming and inclusive community, and the recent activity by ICE officials does not align with our commitment to ensuring that all residents are treated with dignity and respect—regardless of immigration status or background," the statement said.

Simmons and Shaw noted that the Stamford Police Department operates in compliance with the Connecticut Trust Act, which defines and limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.

"The Stamford Police Department does not assist ICE, except in cases involving serious crimes," the statement added. "We want to underscore that because of these protections, all residents - regardless of immigration status - should feel safe contacting law enforcement and reporting crimes when they need help.

When residents feel safe coming forward, it protects not only individuals who are victims of crime but also helps strengthen the safety of our city. This trust is essential to public safety, and we will continue to maintain it to ensure the well-being of all residents."