Under President Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically expanded its budget and capabilities, with a startling 636% increase in spending on small arms, totaling over $71.5 million in 2024. This surge includes a significant purchase of semi-automatic rifles. While ICE’s expansion is often justified as necessary for deporting undocumented immigrants, the agency is reportedly prioritizing investigations into U.S. citizens protesting against these policies. Recent actions have drawn criticism, leading to a lawsuit from the ACLU for “extreme brutality,” resulting in a temporary restraining order limiting ICE’s use of non-lethal weapons. Concerns about the preparedness of ICE agents have emerged, particularly regarding their training to engage in urban policing. Despite these issues, ICE’s acquisition of advanced weaponry and surveillance technology continues unabated, raising alarms about potential violations of constitutional rights. The situation calls for judicial oversight to ensure accountability and protect American citizens.
Source link
