Recently, concerns among U.S. citizens continue to grow regarding the possibility of deportation based solely on their appearance or descent. This concern remains fueled by reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting aggressive raids in various communities, particularly since 2017, when enforcement priorities shifted to include a broader range of undocumented immigrants. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), U.S. citizens and legal residents continue to face detention during these operations. The atmosphere of uncertainty leads to heightened tensions between immigrant communities and law enforcement agencies, with families avoiding public spaces out of fear.
“When ICE comes and raids these communities, they handle it in an unprofessional manner. With how unprofessional their work ethic is, I’m pretty sure more than half of what they do is illegal. Since I look like the people they normally go after, I do very much feel unsafe with the increase in raids recently,” junior Ailani Hernandez said.
In recent months, ICE officers have continuously accused without adhering to established protocols during their enforcement actions. Federal guidelines require agents to present judicial warrants before entering private residences, yet multiple reports, including investigations by ProPublica and local news outlets, highlighted instances where officers entered homes without proper documentation. Complaints toward ICE agents reveal that they commonly use deceptive tactics, such as identifying themselves as police officers or failing to clearly state the purpose of their visit. These deviations from standard procedure undermine the rights of individuals and decrease confidence in the intentions of the immigration system.
The lack of accountability in known ICE operations further increases public concern. According to the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), detainees experience untimely access to legal counsel and even remain detained for weeks or months while their status waits for verification. In 2019, a high-profile case involved a U.S. citizen, Francisco Erwin Galicia, who encountered wrongful detainment for 26 days despite carrying valid identification. Incidents similar to these raise serious questions about due process and the protection of civil liberties within the context of immigration enforcement, especially when mistakes possibly lead to prolonged detention and emotional trauma.
“I believe ICE agents can be really intense, and they don’t really give clear evidence on why they do what they do. Every time they do a raid, I think it’s done illegally, especially because they don’t seem to acknowledge people’s rights most of the time. They honestly make me feel worried for the people in my community,” junior Cimorine Roberts said.
In response to increasing public pressure, lawmakers introduced legislation designed to enhance oversight of immigration enforcement agencies. Proposals include mandatory body cameras for ICE agents during field operations, stricter requirements for obtaining judicial warrants and increased funding for legal aid programs supporting detainees. While supporters believe such measures will help protect civil liberties and prevent wrongful detentions, critics caution that meaningful change requires not only new policies but also a cultural shift within enforcement agencies toward respect for due process and community engagement. As the national conversation continues, a majority hope that collaborative efforts between policymakers, advocacy groups, and local leaders will shape the way for an equal and humane approach to immigration enforcement.
As a result of these issues, advocacy groups and community leaders continue to call for oversight and reform of ICE practices. Organizations like the ACLU and Human Rights Watch urge Congress to implement stricter guidelines and independent review mechanisms to ensure compliance with constitutional protections. Cities, including New York and Los Angeles, adopted policies limiting cooperation with ICE to safeguard residents’ rights. The ongoing debate highlights the need for clear training standards for officers and accessible channels for reporting misconduct. Consequently, restoring trust will require a commitment to transparency, accountability and respect for the diverse backgrounds of all residents.
