Here & Now Anytime New reporting finds immigration agents are using banned chokeholds to make arrests
Jan 13, 2026
Nicole Foy, a ProPublica reporter, uncovers shocking instances of ICE agents employing chokeholds, despite a ban on such tactics following George Floyd's murder. She shares vivid examples, including a disturbing incident involving a one-year-old child during a carotid hold. Meanwhile, Phil Gunson offers insights from Caracas about the current political landscape in Venezuela, highlighting the control exerted by security forces and the uncertain future for opposition leaders. He also discusses the complex role of oil in stabilizing the economy amid ongoing tension.
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Banned Restraints Still In Use
- Federal immigration officers used chokeholds and neck restraints over the past year despite DHS and DOJ bans.
- Nicole Foy shows these tactics remain in use and can be life-threatening after George Floyd's murder.
DoorDash Driver Pinned And Pleading
- In Portland, an agent pinned a DoorDash driver face down while the driver screamed in Spanish, "I just need air."
- Law enforcement experts called such footage "bad policing" and said many officers would be disciplined for it.
Fitchburg Arrest Ends With Carotid Restraint
- In Fitchburg, an ICE agent pressed a finger to Carlos Sebastian Zapata Rivera's neck and used a carotid restraint while a one-year-old shook during the man's violent seizure.
- DHS could not justify a deadly-threat reason for using that maneuver during the vehicle standoff.