During the second Trump administration (2025–present), immigration enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been described by critics, lawmakers, and journalists as operating like a "secret police" or a "paramilitary force"
Reports suggest these agents, including ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, have adopted new, more aggressive, and less transparent tactics.
Key Characteristics of "Secret Police" Allegations
- Masked Operations: ICE agents have been frequently reported wearing masks or balaclavas that hide their faces, alongside plain clothes or tactical gear that lacks clear identification.
- Unmarked Vehicles: Agents have used unmarked vehicles, including rentals or vans with out-of-state plates, to conduct raids and detain individuals, sometimes in front of homes or workplaces.
- Lack of Accountability: Critics, including California officials and civil liberties groups, claim agents have refused to show badges or identify themselves when approaching, detaining, or arresting individuals.
- Aggressive Raids: Reports describe "daylight snatchings" and arrests of individuals without judicial warrants, targeting both undocumented individuals and lawful residents.
- Use of Force: There are reports of agents using increased force, including allegations of "kidnapping" people off the streets and shooting incidents during, or in relation to, arrests.
