Officers of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have significantly increased the use of force against migrants since the start of US President Donald Trump's second term in office.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing foreign media outlets, that the escalation includes the use of physical force, tasers, and chemical agents such as pepper spray against detainees.
During the first year of the Trump administration, at least 780 such incidents were recorded. This represents a 37% increase in the frequency of force application compared to the final year of Joe Biden's administration. Furthermore, the number of individuals subjected to force rose by 54% over the previous year, reaching a total of 1,330 people.
Reports indicate that ICE personnel occasionally deployed force against detainees who were requesting basic necessities, such as food, water, medical assistance, or the return of personal belongings. These developments come amid a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy characterized by stricter enforcement measures and expanded deportation mandates.
The increase in enforcement actions reflects the current administration's prioritized focus on border security and internal immigration control. Since taking office in January 2025, US President Donald Trump has implemented a series of executive orders aimed at streamlining the removal process for undocumented individuals, leading to heightened activity within detention centers across the United States.
