In today’s climate, it’s no wonder some people feel like they are living in a bubble of misinformation. The media is often clouded with claims that don’t seem to hold water when examined closely. One hot topic recently has been the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, more commonly known as I.C.E. Some folks are saying that I.C.E. is targeting American citizens, which seems like quite a hefty accusation.

Let’s consider a particular scenario in Minneapolis where an individual was allegedly removed from his home by I.C.E. agents in rather shocking attire—only his boxers and a towel around his shoulders. Now, some voices are quick to say this man was just an innocent American citizen. However, I.C.E. was actually on the hunt for two criminals with serious records. These weren’t your typical jaywalkers—one was convicted of sexual assault on a child and the other of domestic violence, among other unsavory charges. So, when I.C.E. pulled over a car linked to these men and got a tip-off from the driver, they had to act.

Of course, our justice system allows for the detention of individuals based on reasonable suspicion, not just probable cause. This distinction is crucial. If someone matches a description and refuses to cooperate or verify their identity, it’s not unreasonable for law enforcement to ensure they’re not letting dangerous criminals roam free. The intent here is to protect, not unnecessarily target.

Social media seems to be abuzz with critics alleging that I.C.E. is aggressively questioning people just because of their accents. But let’s not jump to conclusions. Reasonable suspicion isn’t born from an accent alone. It’s a combination of factors—such as behavior, location, and context—that lead immigration officers to investigate further. If an officer is watching someone and sees suspicious behavior over time, that’s a big piece of the puzzle that led to their decision.

To address critics who think these procedures are intentionally targeting law-abiding citizens, it’s important to remember that U.S. citizens involved in illegal activities can also be arrested by I.C.E., whether it’s for trafficking, smuggling, or other crimes. The aim is not to frighten everyday folks but to ensure public safety. If I.C.E. sometimes detains an American citizen by mistake, this is usually clarified quickly—far from the malicious intent some might suggest.

So, before spinning tales of wrongful detainment and aggressive enforcement, consider looking at the broader picture. Our border agents might be the butt of jokes for cheesy action movies, but their day-to-day work is far more complex and nuanced than Hollywood might portray. The reality is that their mission, although challenging, is fundamentally about keeping communities safe from those who truly pose a threat. Missteps may occur, but as they say, reality is often stranger than fiction—and sometimes even more responsible.