Recent investigations have revealed that U.S. immigration agents have employed chokeholds and other maneuvers that can obstruct breathing, despite a federal ban on such tactics. Over 40 instances of these practices have been documented, affecting both citizens and undocumented individuals. Notably, a 16-year-old American citizen, Arnoldo Bazan, was hospitalized after being placed in a chokehold by an immigration agent in Houston.

The scrutiny surrounding the use of chokeholds intensified following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, which led many police departments and federal agencies to prohibit such tactics. However, reports indicate that these banned methods have resurfaced among immigration enforcement personnel, particularly during mass deportation operations initiated under the Trump administration. Footage from various incidents shows agents employing chokeholds and other neck restraints, often while wearing masks that conceal their identities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not publicly disclosed whether any agents have faced disciplinary action for these violations.

Experts in law enforcement have expressed alarm at the conduct of these agents, describing it as unprofessional and dangerous. The implications extend beyond individual incidents, raising broader concerns about community safety and trust in law enforcement. The lack of accountability for immigration agents, who often operate in urban areas without clear oversight, raises fears of potential abuse and erosion of civil rights.

In response to these concerns, several states have begun implementing measures aimed at increasing transparency and accountability for immigration enforcement actions. For instance, California has passed legislation requiring immigration officers to display identification during operations, while Illinois has enacted laws allowing residents to sue officers for constitutional violations. However, the federal government has challenged such state laws, arguing they are unconstitutional.

Additionally, Congressman Jamie Raskin has raised concerns about the recruitment practices of DHS, questioning the number of pardoned January 6 insurrectionists employed by the agency. He highlighted the use of recruitment strategies that appear to resonate with extremist ideologies, citing imagery and language that target members of militias such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Raskin criticized the practice of allowing ICE agents to conceal their identities while performing their duties, particularly in light of violent actions taken by some agents.

The recent fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross has further amplified these concerns. While Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem characterized Good as a "domestic terrorist," eyewitness accounts suggest she was attempting to leave the scene calmly when she was shot. This incident has sparked widespread protests against ICE, with calls for accountability and justice.

The ongoing use of chokeholds and other dangerous restraint techniques by immigration agents, coupled with aggressive recruitment practices, underscores the need for continued scrutiny and reform in the enforcement of immigration laws. As lawmakers and community members demand greater accountability, the situation remains fluid, highlighting the complexities of law enforcement practices in the context of immigration.