Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, holds broad federal power
inside the US, giving it far more reach than many
people realize.
ICE agents can stop, question and arrest people they believe
are in the country illegally.
These actions often happen in public places, such as streets
or workplaces.
Unlike local police, ICE does not need to be investigating
a separate crime to make an arrest.
Agents can also temporarily detain U.S.
citizens in certain situations, including if someone interferes with an
arrest or if agents mistakenly believe the person lacks legal
status.
ICE also has the authority to hold people in detention
Centers for days or longer while immigration cases move forward
and families may not immediately know where someone is being
held.
When it comes to force, ICE agents may use physical
or even deadly force if they believe there is an
immediate threat of serious harm.
Courts generally give officers wide discretion in these fast moving
situations.