The US Supreme Court recently ruled that immigration agents in Los Angeles may consider race during sweeps, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh assuring citizens they would be released if found lawfully in the US.
However, according to a report, many Americans report being dragged, beaten, and even shot by immigration agents. Some have reportedly had their necks pressed with a knee, were held in degrading conditions, and at least three pregnant women were detained, one after her door was blown off in a raid overseen by DHS leadership.
ProPublica’s investigation identified over 170 cases of US citizens detained by immigration agents in the first nine months of Trump’s second term, including nearly 20 children, two with cancer. Several were held weeks without lawyer access until congressional intervention.
Immigration agents can detain citizens suspected of illegal presence or accused of interfering with officers.
Most detained citizens, according to reports nearly all Latino, were questioned on their citizenship. About 130 Americans, including a dozen elected officials, were accused of assault or obstruction, though nearly 50 cases were dismissed or never charged. Only a few pleaded guilty.
Reported abuses include agents pepper-spraying, punching, and tackling a man who filmed a raid. They also applied knee pressure to the back and neck of a 79-year-old car wash owner, despite his broken ribs and recent heart surgery. In another case, a woman was held for over two days without contact during a chaotic street vendor raid.
DHS denies racial profiling and arresting citizens for immigration enforcement. Border Patrol leadership acknowledged agents consider appearance when targeting individuals. The White House insists anyone assaulting agents will be prosecuted and praises officers’ professionalism.
Legal experts warn large-scale sweeps, unlike past targeted operations, cause constitutional violations and racial profiling. The Cato Institute highlights risks of demographic-based detentions; the ACLU warns anyone could be next.
One US citizen of Mexican descent was detained twice while working construction, despite presenting a valid REAL ID. Agents dismissed the ID as fake and ignored citizenship claims. His undocumented relative was deported.
Another was held for three days without contact and suffered injuries during a marijuana farm raid. Agents appeared aware of his citizenship but detained him anyway. DHS later claimed he was arrested for assault, though no charges were filed.
The DOJ has urged agents to arrest those interfering with enforcement, but many citizen arrests lack evidence. A man filming a California raid was tackled and falsely accused of terrorism-related acts, though no charges followed.
The government does not track citizen detentions despite longstanding recommendations. Accountability is limited, worsened by cuts to offices investigating agent abuse. Congressional members, including a senator handcuffed while questioning officials, demand answers.
These sweeping enforcement actions risk violating constitutional rights of citizens and noncitizens alike, raising serious concerns over unchecked federal immigration practices.
Also Read: Indian-Origin Businessman Latest Involved In US Immigration Fraud Case https://www.vibesofindia.com/indian-origin-businessman-latest-involved-in-us-immigration-fraud-case/
