Fact Check: ICE officers can use force if someone's safety is at risk.

Fact Check: "ICE officers can use force if someone's safety is at risk."

What We Know

The claim that ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers can use force if someone's safety is at risk is supported by various official documents outlining the agency's use of force policies. According to the Department Policy on the Use of Force, law enforcement officers (LEOs) are instructed to employ tactics that effectively control incidents while ensuring the safety of both officers and the public. This policy emphasizes that physical force should only be used to the minimum extent necessary to restore order and protect safety (2.15 Use of Force and Restraints).

Furthermore, the Update to the Department Policy on the Use of Force states that after any use of force, officers must ensure that appropriate medical assistance is provided as soon as practicable, indicating a commitment to safety following such incidents. Additionally, a report from the Washington Post confirms that while ICE officers are trained to avoid using force during arrests, they are permitted to do so if there is a risk to someone's safety.

Analysis

The evidence provided by the official policies from ICE and DHS (Department of Homeland Security) clearly supports the claim that ICE officers can use force when safety is at risk. The policies are designed to ensure that any use of force is justified and necessary, aligning with the broader principles of law enforcement that prioritize public safety.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are official documents from the DHS and ICE, which are authoritative entities in this context. The policies are regularly updated to reflect current practices and legal standards, as seen in the recent update from February 2023 (Update to the Department Policy on the Use of Force).

However, it is important to note that while these policies allow for the use of force under specific circumstances, they also emphasize the necessity for officers to use only the minimum amount of force required. This balance aims to prevent excessive force and ensure accountability, which is a critical aspect of law enforcement practices.

The Washington Post, as a reputable news organization, provides additional context by reporting on the training of ICE officers regarding the use of force, further validating the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "ICE officers can use force if someone's safety is at risk" is True. The policies governing ICE's use of force explicitly state that officers are permitted to use physical force when necessary to protect safety, provided that such force is used judiciously and only to the extent required to manage the situation.

Sources

1. 2.15 Use of Force and Restraints
2. Update to the Department Policy on the Use of Force
3. Department Policy on the Use of Force
4. 2.8 Use of Force and Restraints | 2019 NDS for Non-...
5. ICE's General Authority to Arrest and Detain
6. 2011 Operations Manual ICE Performance-Based National...
7. What ICE can (and can't) legally do during an immigration...