Here’s a breakdown of the provided text,focusing on its key arguments and supporting details:
Main Argument:
The text argues that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are exhibiting characteristics of a paramilitary force used for repression, and are operating with less professionalism, oversight, and constitutional restriction than typical U.S. law enforcement.
supporting Points & Evidence:
* Paramilitary Characteristics: The text directly states ICE and CBP are exhibiting characteristics of a paramilitary force used for repression.
* Lower Professionalism & Oversight: Officers are described as “less professional” and receiving “less oversight” compared to other law enforcement.
* Political Operation: They operate in “more overtly political ways.”
* Lowered Standards (Pre-Trump): A 2014 report from CBP’s head of internal affairs indicated that standards were lowered after 9/11, leading to the recruitment of potentially unfit officers.
* Rapid Expansion & Reduced Training (Trump Governance): The Trump administration rapidly expanded ICE (doubling its size) while reducing training length, exacerbating the issue of professionalism.
* Constitutional Restrictions: ICE and CBP are not subject to the same constitutional restrictions as other law enforcement agencies.
* Image: The image shows ICE agents on patrol near the scene of a fatal shooting, visually reinforcing the idea of a potentially forceful presence.
Sources Cited (as hyperlinks):
* Elizabeth F.Cohen’s book, illegal (Hachette book Group) – cited twice.
* ACLU report on CBP’s culture of impunity.
* DHS News release about ICE manpower increase.
* AP Photo/John Locher (image attribution)
Overall Tone:
The tone is critical of ICE and CBP, presenting them as agencies that have become problematic due to lowered standards, rapid expansion, and a lack of accountability. The language used (“repression,” “paramilitary,” “unfit”) is strong and conveys a sense of concern.
