Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security has featured prominently in two major developments over the past fortnight. One involved federal officers using lethal force against an individual and then defending the action with minimal justification. The other saw officials visiting citizens who had posted critical remarks about them on social media.

Since assuming office, the Trump administration has promoted the idea that confronting white supremacy enhances one’s image. Under former Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS allocated 220 million dollars toward portraying immigration enforcement as a grand campaign, recruiting for ICE as though preparing for conflict with fellow residents. The approach has appeared awkward at best.

The messaging often comes across as awkward. Yet the enforcement actions it supports have resulted in real harm. In Texas this week, an ICE officer fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a long-term resident and father of three who had worked in construction. The agency quickly claimed the man had attempted to use his vehicle as a weapon. Available footage indicates the account may not hold up, similar to prior incidents elsewhere. Officials later acknowledged they had targeted the wrong person.

ICE has shown difficulty managing public interactions. More notably, it struggles with online criticism as well. The agency seeks to avoid scrutiny from both legal and public sources.

DHS has developed its own approach to identifying agents involved in controversial incidents, such as the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. The administration objects to public discussion of the officer named Jonathan Ross. Good reportedly stated she held no anger toward the agents before being shot; they then referred to her with derogatory language.

Officials have reacted strongly to public criticism of these shootings. DHS has approached individuals who protested the incidents and issued warning notices. The situation combines serious implications with elements of overreaction. The core concern appears to be avoiding any form of responsibility.

Minnesota authorities filed suit to obtain records on ICE shootings after federal cooperation was withheld. This stance seems inconsistent with typical support for law enforcement, especially given the administration’s statements on the January 6 events, which include claims that Democrats were responsible. The position reflects both inaccuracy and a defensive posture.

These patterns trace back to Trump, whose approach has centered on consolidating authority while reducing expectations of accountability. Neither he nor his appointees respond well to criticism. This attitude has influenced subordinates who respond by denying issues, shifting blame, pressuring critics, and in extreme cases impeding investigations, all while projecting an unconvincing image.

These officials express strong reactions to challenges. Shortly after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Noem applied terms like domestic terrorism to the victims while investigations were ongoing. Good had recently left her young child at school; Pretti was assisting someone in need.

Federal actions heighten existing concerns about law enforcement practices. State and local agencies have also faced criticism for shortcomings in protecting constitutional rights and reacting poorly to public feedback. Adding federal resources can intensify such problems, including reported incidents involving journalists.

American policing has long presented challenges, but the current administration has expanded enforcement through substantial funding and explicit focus on immigration. ICE now operates with broad authority to carry out large-scale removals. Agents have conducted warrantless entries, confronted members of the press, affected families, and used force in public settings. This represents only a partial overview.

ICE poses risks to democratic norms through its actions, which merit careful examination. At the same time, the agents often appear insecure and subject to ridicule, including their choice of gear that follows tactical trends. Public responses have included creative protests, such as costumed demonstrations in Portland that led to arrests.

These agents frequently conceal their identities during operations, similar to certain activist groups with limited preparation. Regular government staff often face public complaints without resorting to such measures, suggesting greater resilience in other roles.

ICE now receives the largest budget among federal law enforcement bodies. High funding levels do not necessarily ensure effectiveness, as seen in other areas of federal spending. The result resembles a personal enforcement unit for the president, with equipment that may not meet high standards.

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TC Sottek