Immigration Agents Employing Risky Tactics, Despite Bans
An investigation by ProPublica reveals that immigration agents are increasingly using perhaps life-threatening tactics, including chokeholds and neck restraints, despite a federal ban on such practices. Thes actions are raising concerns from former law enforcement officials who describe the conduct as “bad policing” that puts everyone at risk.
Key Findings:
* Use of Force: Over 40 cases have been identified in the past year where immigration agents used chokeholds and other maneuvers that can restrict breathing or blood flow on immigrants, citizens, and protesters [[1]].
* Banned Tactics: Nearly 20 cases involved chokeholds and neck restraints explicitly prohibited by Department of Homeland Security policy “unless deadly force is authorized” [[1]].
* Concerning Practices: Around two dozen videos show agents kneeling on peopel’s necks or backs, or keeping them face down while handcuffed – tactics that, while not outright banned, are discouraged due to the risk of asphyxiation [[1]].
* Expert Criticism: eight former police officers and law enforcement experts reviewed footage and expressed alarm, stating the agents’ actions were unprofessional and dangerous [[1]].
* Lack of Accountability: Ther is no indication that any agents have been punished for using these prohibited tactics [[1]].
* Recent Incidents: The scrutiny comes after recent incidents, including the shooting of Renee Good in minneapolis and a shooting in Portland, Oregon [[1]].
* Management Defense: Top administration officials have defended the agents’ actions,claiming they followed their training [[1]].
Specific Cases highlighted:
* Arnoldo Bazan (Houston,TX): A 16-year-old U.S. citizen was hospitalized after being choked by an agent while his father was being arrested. He reported feeling like he was going to pass out [[1]].
* carlos Sebastian Zapata Rivera (Fitchburg, MA): An agent used a carotid restraint on Zapata Rivera, causing him to convulse and lose consciousness while his wife and 1-year-old daughter were present [[1]].
* luis Hipolito (Los Angeles, CA): A U.S. citizen was arrested with a chokehold, and video shows him convulsing while being pinned to the ground [[1]].
Lack of Data & Transparency:
The government does not track how frequently enough agents use these dangerous tactics, making it unfeasible to assess the extent of the problem. ProPublica gathered cases through legal filings, social media, and press reports [[1]].
