ProPublica Investigation: ICE's Use of Banned Chokeholds and Arrests of U.S. Citizens

ICE's Aggressive Tactics and Banned Restraints

• 🔍 ProPublica investigation reveals over 40 cases of immigration agents using banned chokeholds and other moves that restrict breathing.
• ⚠️ These dangerous tactics, including kneeling on necks and backs, are prohibited by ICE's own policy unless deadly force is warranted.
• 🚨 The report highlights instances where agents used excessive force, such as pinning an ICU nurse, Amanda Treeback, to the ground and kneeling on her head.

Violent Arrests of U.S. Citizens

• 🇺🇸 At least 170 U.S. citizens have been arrested by immigration agents, with some detained despite presenting evidence of citizenship.
• 💔 A 16-year-old U.S. citizen, Arnaldo Bazan, was violently arrested with a banned chokehold in Texas, despite identifying himself as a minor and citizen.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In another case, a young father, Carlos, was subjected to a chokehold in Massachusetts for refusing to be separated from his wife and infant daughter, leading to a lawsuit for excessive force and delayed medical attention.

Lack of Accountability for ICE Agents

• 🚫 Despite documented use of banned tactics, ProPublica found no evidence of disciplinary action against officers involved.
• 🏛️ The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declined to comment on disciplinary measures and defended officers' actions as professional and using reasonable force.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Masked agents and a lack of transparency from the government make holding officers accountable for illegal actions extremely difficult.
• 📉 Internal review bodies within ICE and DHS responsible for accountability have been significantly stripped of personnel and authority.