The US Immigration Enforcement Agency's (ICE) existence has become synonymous with brutality, highlighting a disturbing trend that threatens to undermine the very foundation of American democracy. Renee Good's senseless killing by an ICE agent in January 2026 was just one of many tragic incidents that have sparked widespread outrage and protests across the nation.
The true extent of ICE's violence is staggering. A recent investigation revealed that, since July 2025, at least eight people have been shot, with a total of 13 instances of firing into civilian vehicles. Moreover, in 2025 alone, 32 individuals lost their lives in ICE custody, marking a record number of deaths within the agency's facilities.
These incidents underscore the inhumane conditions that pervade the immigration system. The arbitrary and often deadly application of immigration laws has led to a nation teetering on the edge of violence, with innocent lives being caught in the crossfire. The notion that immigrants are inherently security threats is nothing new – it is a long-standing, deeply ingrained ideology rooted in the country's history.
The roots of this system can be traced back to 1790, when naturalization was limited to "free white persons." Over time, laws were enacted to restrict immigration and limit opportunities for non-white individuals. The US Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 paved the way for a more inclusive approach, but the current policies have taken a drastic turn towards criminalizing increasingly Black and brown immigrants.
The most recent catalyst for change is the Trump-era surge in funding for ICE, which has led to an unprecedented expansion of the agency's activities. Critics argue that this ramp-up of enforcement has resulted in increased violence against migrant communities. As Victor Ray notes, "the problem isn't just new recruits; it's a system designed to operate with impunity."
The proposed solution is not simply abolishing ICE but rather dismantling its core logic – one rooted in violence and racial profiling. Heba Gowayed and Victor Ray argue that the focus should shift towards centering people's humanity, ensuring access to lawyers for all individuals facing deportation, expanding legal pathways, and divesting from the notion that violence makes us safer.
The author's call for reform is both necessary and overdue. It highlights a fundamental flaw in the US immigration system – one that has led to the tragic deaths of countless individuals, including Renee Good. The fight against this entrenched logic requires a reimagining of our approach towards immigrant communities, one that prioritizes human rights over security threats.
In essence, it's time for America to confront its dark past and reimagine an immigration system built on humanity, not fear. Only then can we begin to move towards a future where every individual has access to justice, dignity, and the right to life – regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
The true extent of ICE's violence is staggering. A recent investigation revealed that, since July 2025, at least eight people have been shot, with a total of 13 instances of firing into civilian vehicles. Moreover, in 2025 alone, 32 individuals lost their lives in ICE custody, marking a record number of deaths within the agency's facilities.
These incidents underscore the inhumane conditions that pervade the immigration system. The arbitrary and often deadly application of immigration laws has led to a nation teetering on the edge of violence, with innocent lives being caught in the crossfire. The notion that immigrants are inherently security threats is nothing new – it is a long-standing, deeply ingrained ideology rooted in the country's history.
The roots of this system can be traced back to 1790, when naturalization was limited to "free white persons." Over time, laws were enacted to restrict immigration and limit opportunities for non-white individuals. The US Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 paved the way for a more inclusive approach, but the current policies have taken a drastic turn towards criminalizing increasingly Black and brown immigrants.
The most recent catalyst for change is the Trump-era surge in funding for ICE, which has led to an unprecedented expansion of the agency's activities. Critics argue that this ramp-up of enforcement has resulted in increased violence against migrant communities. As Victor Ray notes, "the problem isn't just new recruits; it's a system designed to operate with impunity."
The proposed solution is not simply abolishing ICE but rather dismantling its core logic – one rooted in violence and racial profiling. Heba Gowayed and Victor Ray argue that the focus should shift towards centering people's humanity, ensuring access to lawyers for all individuals facing deportation, expanding legal pathways, and divesting from the notion that violence makes us safer.
The author's call for reform is both necessary and overdue. It highlights a fundamental flaw in the US immigration system – one that has led to the tragic deaths of countless individuals, including Renee Good. The fight against this entrenched logic requires a reimagining of our approach towards immigrant communities, one that prioritizes human rights over security threats.
In essence, it's time for America to confront its dark past and reimagine an immigration system built on humanity, not fear. Only then can we begin to move towards a future where every individual has access to justice, dignity, and the right to life – regardless of their nationality or immigration status.