In the topsy-turvy world of current events, one finds their eyebrows perpetually raised, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in Portland. The city’s police chief was moved to tears after two illegal immigrants, reportedly connected to a dangerous gang known as Tren de Aragua (TDA), were shot during an ICE operation. Now, one might assume the chief’s tears were tears of relief at the removal of these “upstanding citizens” involved in human trafficking. But no, it was a moment filled with the kind of regret you save for choosing the wrong side of the bed.
ICE Director Todd Lyons, clearly befuddled by the police chief’s display, wisely points out that attempting to ram a law enforcement officer with a vehicle generally invites consequences. But in today’s age, apparently, the only thing more tragic than a criminal act is the audacity of law enforcement to stop it. The director’s gaze shifts to Minneapolis, where an ICE-related shooting sparked cries of division and accusation, as some empathetically challenged the notion of law enforcement’s role.
The mayor of Minneapolis boldly claims a substantial fraction of this year’s shootings involve ICE. However, it turns out two incidents display an impressive knack for numbers when viewed through a selectively distorted lens. ICE, they say, is making the city less safe. One might chuckle if it wasn’t all so serious. After all, who wouldn’t sleep better knowing convicted felons and potential terrorists are being whisked away, right? But rhetoric runs deep, and the narrative is spun tighter than a top ready to spin its way through political circles unchecked by facts or common sense.
Moreover, as reports swirl around like autumn leaves about ICE’s attempts to maintain order, city officials are busily exploring ways to oust them. Alas, their wish appears fantastical at best. ICE, since its inception, has been doing its job—arresting individuals already flagged as public threats. Imagine the scandal being officers catching a child rapist hiding in Minneapolis. One would think the finest champagne would be uncorked in celebration. Instead, there’s clamoring from some corners that ICE is the villain of this piece.
Finally, enter the horror fantasy of a clandestine, left-wing network allegedly aiming to disrupt ICE operations. The situation could make for an excellent spy novel if only it weren’t all so palpably real. As the agencies work tirelessly to untangle the web, one is reminded that behind the heated rhetoric lies the perennial truth: safety isn’t partisan, but protecting communities from criminals apparently is. It seems that making ridiculous accusations is the newest game in town—where everyone loses but the echo chamber of outrage.
