Fact Check: Critics Compare Masked ICE Agents to Gestapo, Calling Tactics Horrifying
What We Know
The claim that critics have compared U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the Gestapo has been substantiated by various statements made by public figures, particularly Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. During a commencement speech at the University of Minnesota Law School on May 17, 2025, Walz referred to ICE as "Trump's modern-day Gestapo," criticizing the agency's tactics in the context of aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration (USA Today). The Gestapo, known for its brutal enforcement of Nazi policies, has become a symbol of authoritarian policing, which Walz argued was being mirrored in ICE's actions (USA Today).
In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned Walz's remarks as "sickening," asserting that such rhetoric has contributed to a significant increase in assaults against ICE agents, reportedly by as much as 413% (DHS). This exchange highlights a broader debate about the tactics employed by ICE and the implications of comparing modern law enforcement to historical regimes known for their brutality.
Analysis
The comparison of ICE to the Gestapo has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that ICE's aggressive tactics, including the deportation of individuals without due process and the targeting of specific communities, reflect a troubling trend in law enforcement that echoes the oppressive methods of the Gestapo (USA Today). This perspective is supported by various human rights organizations that have documented instances of ICE's controversial practices, such as detaining individuals based on racial profiling and conducting raids in vulnerable communities.
On the other hand, the DHS and ICE officials have vehemently defended their operations, framing the comparison as a dangerous oversimplification that undermines the legitimacy of their work. They argue that such rhetoric not only misrepresents their mission but also endangers the safety of their officers (DHS). The agency's claims of a 413% increase in assaults on ICE agents, while alarming, require further scrutiny regarding their context and the methodology behind the statistics (DHS).
The reliability of the sources involved in this debate varies. The DHS, as a government agency, has a vested interest in portraying ICE in a positive light, which may introduce bias into their statements. Conversely, media outlets like USA Today provide a platform for multiple viewpoints, though they may also be influenced by prevailing public sentiments surrounding immigration issues.
Conclusion
The claim that critics have compared masked ICE agents to the Gestapo is True. This comparison has been explicitly made by public figures such as Governor Tim Walz, who articulated concerns about the authoritarian nature of ICE's tactics. The response from the DHS underscores the contentious nature of this debate, highlighting the polarized views on immigration enforcement in the United States. While the comparison may be seen as hyperbolic by some, it reflects a significant and ongoing discourse about the role of law enforcement in society and the historical implications of such comparisons.
