United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, established in 2003. Its mission:
to protect America through enforcing immigration laws, conducting criminal investigations, and preserving national security and public safety, focusing on those who threaten security or undermine immigration integrity by identifying, arresting, and removing individuals who are unlawfully present or pose risks. The agency also combats transnational threats like trafficking, cybercrime, and illegal movement of goods, upholding core values of Honor, Service, and Integrity.
It’s hard to minimize the importance of finding and returning home those who have found their way to the United States, unvetted and in contravention of our laws. While most, no doubt, come in search of the dream to be free, to avail themselves of the opportunity to improve their lives and who are quite willing to obey our laws and work hard to that end. Nevertheless, they have committed a crime by contravening our laws. There is a price to pay for crime, however well intentioned. They also send a negative message to the many thousands of hopefuls who have applied for visas at our over 270 diplomatic posts in over 180 countries around the world, who have been thoroughly vetted and who are patiently waiting their turn to qualify for the quota established for their country. Typically there are between 400,000 and 600,00 applications for immigration visas each year. In 2023 there were over 900,000 asylum applications.
However worthwhile and well intentioned, the implementation and execution of ICE’s mission has been deeply flawed.
We have never been a police state, we are not now and I pray we will never ever be one, but what we have seen vividly played out in real time on TV seems to mimic police state tactics. Heavily armed, clad in riot gear, concealed with masks and arriving in large numbers, they evoke fear and intimidation – – – and mass resistance. It doesn’t have to be that way. How many illegals are heavily armed, barricaded and willing to do battle with the authorities? I would think very few.
Here’s a civilized approach:
– Strive to involve and solicit help/cooperation from local officials.
– Ensure agents are trained to contain unrest, not to propagate violence.
– When necessary to arrest a troublemaker, as a last resort, shoot to stop, not to kill.
– Have two people in business suits politely knock on the door of a suspect, show their credentials and request the occupants to show their IDs.
– It’s OK to have armed backup on the street in case of violent resistance, not to force entry without reason.
Last time I checked, this was America. Let’s behave like Americans.
– – – – Just the view of a common man
Views of a Common Man 