Autocracy in America ICE and the National Guard Are Acting with Impunity
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Jan 9, 2026 George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, shares his chilling experience of being detained by ICE for three days without explanation. Margy O’Herron and Liza Goitein from the Brennan Center delve into the implications of ICE functioning as a national police force, backed by the National Guard. They discuss the increase in funding, the culture of impunity among agents, and the potential risks to democratic norms and civic engagement as military presence at polling places grows. Their insights reveal alarming consequences for both immigrants and citizens.
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Citizen Detained Without Explanation
- George Retes describes being surrounded, tear-gassed, dragged from his car, and detained by ICE for three days with no explanation.
- He missed his daughter's birthday and demanded legal accountability for the arbitrary arrest and treatment.
Immigration Enforcement Acting Like Criminal Law
- Margy O’Herron explains ICE must release citizens immediately but is conducting arrests like criminal enforcement.
- The immigration system is civil, yet agents operate with criminal-style arrests that violate constitutional protections.
Money Expands Enforcement, Not Adjudication
- The administration massively increased ICE funding and detention capacity while shrinking immigration judges and oversight.
- That imbalance risks routine detentions without proper adjudication or independent review.