Squiz Today Squiz Shortcuts: The uproar over ICE
Jan 15, 2026
The podcast dives into the controversial deployment of ICE in the U.S. following the shooting of Renee Good, igniting national protests. It explores the agency's origin post-9/11 and its contrasting roles compared to border enforcement. The discussion highlights the rise in deportations across different presidencies and the targeting of sanctuary cities. Additionally, conflicting narratives surrounding the shooting are unpacked, alongside federal investigations and local political fallout in Minnesota. A thought-provoking analysis of the implications on immigration policy ensues.
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Origins And Role Of ICE
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) was created in 2003 inside the Department of Homeland Security to protect the US interior away from borders.
- Its remit and powers expanded controversially after 9/11, blurring lines with Customs and Border Protection.
Deportation Trends Across Administrations
- ICE's mission is to remove undocumented immigrants, increasingly focused on those seen as national security threats.
- Deportations rose under multiple presidents, peaking under Barack Obama between 2009 and 2015.
ICE Became A Political Football
- Donald Trump positioned ICE as a political tool, promising more deportations and backing from ICE's union in 2016.
- That rhetoric, not just numbers, made ICE a high-profile political target and lightning rod.