This morning I watched a video of ICE agents restraining a man on a Minneapolis street. In the footage one agent kneed the man in the face while another agent, apparently aware they were being recorded, tried to intervene. The scene was disturbing.
Two observations stayed with me. First, the presence of a colleague attempting to stop the use of excessive force suggests that not all involved accepted what was happening — but it also raises questions about oversight and control during operations. Second, the behavior looked like more than a one-off: people in enforcement roles can develop patterns of conduct, sometimes normalized over time.
These incidents point to systemic issues in how we staff and supervise enforcement agencies. Every person placed in a position of authority to use force should undergo rigorous psychological screening, ongoing evaluation, and training in de-escalation and accountability. Equally important are hiring standards and vetting processes that ensure candidates meet ethical and professional norms.
Finally, broader leadership and policy choices shape agency culture. Appointments and personnel policies that prioritize aggressive tactics over restraint and professionalism risk institutionalizing harmful conduct. National-level guidance and consistent, transparent standards are essential to restore public trust and prevent future abuses.
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