Escalating Tactics: Rising Concerns Over ICE’s Use of Force | TNNEWS

Escalating Tensions: Federal Actions Under Scrutiny

Social Media Captures Tense Moments

Across social platforms, numerous videos depict similar confrontations. In one instance, a photographer in Hyattsville, Maryland captured a man being restrained by two ICE agents, pleading for assistance in both Spanish and English.

During this event, an officer dropped his firearm, later pointing it at onlookers. Emily Covington from ICE’s Public Affairs stated that drawing a weapon can serve as a de-escalation method.

Incidents of Force and Legal Challenges

Another video from Broadview, Illinois shows a man, Pastor David Black, being hit with a pepper ball outside an ICE facility. He has since filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

Recently, a CBS reporter reported that an ICE agent fired a pepper ball at her vehicle, causing her to become ill. The incident is under investigation by Broadview Police.

Public Opinion and Policy Criticism

Fred Tsao from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights notes, “These incidents are just the beginning. We’ve witnessed people being tackled, pepper-sprayed, and even shot.”

A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena University reveals that most Americans disapprove of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement methods. Yet, in Chicago, advocacy groups claim federal officers are intensifying their tactics.

Recent Raids and Shootings

In late September, federal agents conducted a large-scale raid on Chicago’s south side, arresting numerous individuals. Earlier this month, officers shot a woman in the city and killed a man in a nearby suburb. Officials claim the victims posed threats, but body camera footage suggests otherwise.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Ed Yohnka from the ACLU of Illinois argues, “We’re witnessing a rise in violence and excessive force by ICE officers.” The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the administration for constitutional violations.

Covington maintains that ICE officers are “highly trained,” citing an increase in assaults against them. However, reports suggest these claims are exaggerated.

Expert Opinions on Policing Tactics

Gil Kerlikowske, former U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner, states that federal officers lack the necessary training for urban policing. “Effective city policing relies on de-escalation and public trust,” he says, criticizing the current approach.

Courts have ruled that police force must be “objectively reasonable”. Seth Stoughton, a law professor, explains that this standard requires context, emphasizing proportionality in response to threats.

Documenting and Addressing Force

Immigrant rights groups, including the ACLU, assert that federal agents are unlawfully using “violent force” against protesters. They encourage bystanders to document incidents to provide clarity on the use of force.