“How Trump Transformed ICE and CBP into a Secretive Force”

In recent years, significant changes have transpired within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration, particularly concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These agencies have been transformed into highly formidable forces operating on U.S. soil, raising concerns about civil liberties and the rule of law.

Understanding ICE and CBP

ICE and CBP are two main components of the DHS. They evolved from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Customs Service after the events of September 11, 2001. Each agency has its own mission and jurisdiction:

• ICE: Primarily focused on immigration enforcement and customs violations, consisting of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
• CBP: Tasked with enforcing laws at the border, including both Border Patrol and the Office of Field Operations.

Historically, both organizations have been criticized for their practices and procedures, but their operational methodologies have undergone a drastic shift in recent years.

Changes Under the Trump Administration

During the Trump administration, ICE and CBP intensified their enforcement strategies significantly. Under the direction of individuals like Stephen Miller, these agencies pivoted from policies of “prosecutorial discretion” to aggressive, indiscriminate enforcement. They began targeting a broader population of undocumented immigrants, often without regard for criminal records or prior interactions with law enforcement.

Statistics Reflecting the Shift

Recent statistics highlight the dramatic change in enforcement practices:

• As of late 2020, 73% of individuals detained by ICE had no criminal convictions.
• The deportation rate for those with long-term residency increased significantly, rising nearly ten-fold for individuals who had lived in the U.S. for more than four years.
• Despite claims of targeting the “worst of the worst,” investigations revealed many arrests were actually of individuals already incarcerated.

These numbers indicate not only a shift in focus but also a pattern of targeting that raises questions about racial profiling and civil rights violations.

Concerns About Training and Operations

One of the fundamental issues surrounding ICE and CBP is the training of their personnel. Agents often receive minimal training, especially in the context of managing protests or community interactions. This lack of preparation has led to violent confrontations and public outrage.

• CBP agents have been reported to engage in excessive use of force, including the deployment of tear gas and physical confrontations with civilians.
• ICE operations have involved indiscriminate roundups, resulting in heightened fear within immigrant communities.

These tactics point to a systemic culture within these agencies where aggression and intimidation have become standard operating procedures.

The Impact on Communities

The presence of ICE and CBP agents in urban areas, such as Minneapolis, has created a climate of fear among residents. Community members have begun to mobilize against these practices, witnessing a growing resistance movement. This backlash highlights the disconnect between federal enforcement agencies and the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

A Growing Resistance

Minneapolis has become a focal point for opposition against the tactics employed by federal agents. Grassroots movements have emerged, aiming to protect vulnerable populations and expose the realities of aggressive immigration enforcement.

• Residents have utilized social media to document and share instances of federal overreach.
• Local organizations have mobilized resources to support individuals facing potential deportation.

This collective effort showcases the determination of communities to advocate for their rights and challenge the militarization of immigration enforcement.

Conclusion: The Rise of a Secretive Force

Trump’s transformation of ICE and CBP into a secretive force operating within American cities poses significant challenges to civil liberties. As these agencies continue to operate with increasing authority and diminished oversight, the implications for the rule of law and community safety remain profound. Ongoing resistance and public accountability will play crucial roles in shaping the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.