Spencer Ackerman, a national security journalist for The Intercept, has recently shed light on the disturbing transformation of two U.S. government agencies – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – into what can only be described as a death squad. In his eye-opening article, Ackerman reveals how the politics of counterterrorism have played a major role in this transformation and why these agencies are now beyond reform.
In the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, the U.S. government’s response to the threat of terrorism has been nothing short of extreme. In the name of national security, the country has implemented various measures, including the creation of ICE and CBP, to combat the perceived threat of terrorism. However, as Ackerman points out, this fear-driven response has had dire consequences, particularly for immigrants and refugees.
One of the most alarming aspects of this response has been the weaponization of the term “terrorist”. In the post-9/11 era, this label has been used to justify a wide range of actions, from indefinite detention to drone strikes. And now, as Ackerman reveals, it has also been used to justify the actions of ICE and CBP, who have been given unprecedented power and autonomy in the name of fighting terrorism.
But what exactly does this transformation into a “death squad” entail? According to Ackerman, it means that these agencies have essentially been given a license to kill. Under the guise of counterterrorism, ICE and CBP have been responsible for countless deaths, both at the border and in detention centers. The most infamous of these deaths include those of 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo and 16-year-old Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, who both died while in U.S. custody.
But these are not isolated incidents. Ackerman highlights the alarming trend of deaths in ICE custody, which have increased significantly in recent years. In 2019 alone, there were 24 deaths in ICE custody, the highest number since 2005. And the majority of these deaths were preventable, caused by neglect and inadequate medical care.
So why are these agencies allowed to continue operating in such a reckless and deadly manner? As Ackerman argues, it is due to a combination of factors, including political pressure, lack of accountability, and a culture of impunity within these agencies. In short, they have become unreformable.
The political pressure comes from the top, as the Trump administration has made it clear that their priority is to crack down on immigration and portray immigrants as a threat to national security. This has led to an increase in funding and support for ICE and CBP, despite their questionable actions and lack of accountability.
Furthermore, these agencies operate with a disturbing level of impunity. As Ackerman points out, ICE and CBP have been given broad authority and little oversight, making it nearly impossible to hold them accountable for their actions. In addition, the culture within these agencies is one of violence and abuse, with officers who commit atrocities often facing little to no consequences.
So what can be done to address this issue? Ackerman argues that the only way to truly reform these agencies is to dismantle the politics of counterterrorism that have allowed them to operate with such impunity. This means rethinking our approach to national security and no longer allowing fear to dictate our actions.
In conclusion, Spencer Ackerman’s article sheds much-needed light on the disturbing reality of ICE and CBP’s transformation into a death squad. It is a wake-up call for all of us to question the actions of these agencies and demand accountability and reform. As a nation, we must strive for a more humane and just approach to immigration and national security, one that does not sacrifice human lives in the name of fear.
