ICE operations marked by brutality and rights violations

Since Donald Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, the operations of the federal immigration police (ICE) have been marked by numerous brutal arrests, several deaths, and widespread violations of the rights of migrants. The Trump administration has shown a pattern of disregarding court decisions, while the Supreme Court has frequently ruled in its favor.

Violence and media exposure

The brutal actions of ICE and the rights violations committed by the Trump administration are regularly reported. On October 8, a man was seriously injured by a bullet in his car by ICE agents in New York. A documentary by Julie Peyrard and Christophe Astruc, broadcast on France 5 on October 11, provides an overview of the various facets of this "manhunt," which has been criticized by human rights groups and has benefited Donald Trump's allies.

Contradictions in policy and enforcement

The documentary follows ICE teams as they conduct raids targeting undocumented immigrants, often in ways that violate both Trump’s campaign promises and U.S. law. Despite promising to target only the worst criminals during the 2024 election, ICE has arrested people in public spaces, including near schools and courthouses, based on physical appearance or language. The Supreme Court validated this practice in September 2025.

Inside ICE operations

The film features interviews with ICE officials, including Gregory Bovino, who has spent three decades at the Border Patrol, and new recruits who seem more interested in enforcing a harsh policy than protecting border security. Recruits are reportedly selected for their affinity for weapons and a desire to "break undocumented immigrants," with financial incentives such as a $50,000 signing bonus.

Impact on undocumented individuals

The documentary includes testimonies from victims, many of whom describe family separations and physical attacks. According to ICE data analyzed by the Cato Institute, nearly 73% of those detained in 2025 had no criminal record, and nearly half had no criminal charges pending, despite having lived in the U.S. for years and contributing to the economy.

Legal challenges and administrative shortcuts

The administration has taken steps to complicate legal appeals, such as moving detainees to states with stricter habeas corpus procedures. Most detainees are placed in centers without the possibility of bail, creating a system designed to instill fear and encourage voluntary departure, especially among immigrants of color, in an environment marked by hostile rhetoric from Trump.

Legal battles and court responses

Thousands of appeals have been filed against the administration’s policies, with over 40,000 active lawsuits, including 38,000 habeas corpus petitions. Federal judges have issued more than 4,400 decisions against illegal detention since October 2025. The Supreme Court has intervened 19 times to suspend or cancel lower court orders, including a decision in June 2026 that removed temporary protection status for Syrians and Haitians.

Supreme Court's mixed rulings

Only two Supreme Court decisions opposed the Trump administration: one blocking the deployment of the National Guard and another ruling against the elimination of the right of soil for children of undocumented immigrants. In other instances, the administration ignored court orders, such as when it claimed it was too late to stop planes from departing to El Salvador despite a court ruling.

Private companies benefit from ICE policies

The film highlights the financial gains of private companies involved in detention, transportation, and surveillance, many of which have financial ties to Trump. Geo Group, for example, has earned $710 million from immigration-related contracts, while Palantir Technologies provides data analysis tools for ICE operations.

Public reaction and potential political consequences

Despite the administration's harsh policies, public sentiment appears to be shifting. In Minneapolis, residents have mobilized to support undocumented immigrants, and many Americans are reportedly shocked by the treatment of their neighbors and workers. This may influence upcoming elections, as the brutality of ICE and the corruption within Trump’s administration could affect voter behavior.