Radio Atlantic When Border Patrol Comes to Town
Nov 20, 2025
Nick Miroff, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the controversial tactics of the Border Patrol in urban areas. He explores the shift from ICE to Border Patrol, highlighting the aggressive enforcement methods and militarized presence in cities like Chicago and North Carolina. Miroff discusses the cultural differences between the two agencies, the impact of viral videos, and the political implications of these operations. He also addresses the declining profile of criminal targets and community reactions to these high-stakes raids.
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Homefront Arrest Turned Chaotic
- Brian Culp watched Border Patrol agents tackle a man on his front lawn and rushed outside in pajama pants to film the scene.
- He described agents deploying chemical irritants and using force that broke ribs and terrified neighbors.
Different Mandates Shape Tactics
- Nick Miroff explains ICE enforces immigration in the interior while Border Patrol defends borders and treats anyone encountered as a potential suspect.
- That defensive culture makes Border Patrol more comfortable using broad stops and force in cities than ICE typically is.
Viral Clips Often Misattribute Agency
- Many viral videos blamed on ICE actually show Border Patrol agents in camouflage using heavier gear and military-style tactics in public.
- Social media often conflates agencies, obscuring which force uses which tactics on city streets.