We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. Theyve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.

Published: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Immigration Agents Detain Hundreds of U.S. Citizens, Raising Concerns

A recent investigation by ProPublica reveals a troubling pattern of U.S. immigration agents detaining American citizens, raising serious questions about the enforcement of immigration laws. The investigation, which compiled over 170 incidents during the first nine months of the second Trump administration, highlights instances where citizens were held against their will, often for extended periods, and sometimes subjected to mistreatment.

The investigation found that agents detained citizens during immigration raids and protests. In many cases, individuals were held for over a day without access to legal counsel or contact with loved ones. The government does not track these incidents, making it difficult to ascertain the full scope of the problem. ProPublica's research involved reviewing social media, lawsuits, court records, and local media reports.

The report details several concerning cases. Some citizens were held after agents questioned their citizenship, with a disproportionate number being Latino. Others were arrested for allegedly interfering with or assaulting officers, with many of these charges later dismissed or never filed. The investigation also uncovered instances of physical abuse, including citizens being tackled, pepper-sprayed, and denied medical attention.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that agents do not racially profile or target Americans. However, a top immigration official acknowledged that agents consider a person's appearance. The White House has stated that anyone who assaults federal immigration agents will be prosecuted.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that immigration agents can consider race and other factors during sweeps. Critics warn that this could lead to citizens being targeted based on their appearance or the type of work they do.

BNN's Perspective:

The findings of this investigation are deeply concerning. While upholding the law and protecting communities is paramount, the reported instances of detaining and mistreating U.S. citizens by immigration agents are unacceptable. The government must take steps to ensure accountability, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background or appearance.

Keywords: immigration agents, U.S. citizens, detention, mistreatment, racial profiling, DHS, Supreme Court, ProPublica, immigration raids, arrests, accountability, transparency

Full Story