For many people, the prospect of ICE being in their city is enough to be on guard. The threat of families being destroyed and innocent citizens deported is enough to put everyone on edge. Columbus, Ohio, is no stranger to ICE presence. Recently, two sisters were following people they suspected were immigration agents when the unexpected happened. The agents actually decided to confront them, and did so in the most threatening way.
Yezzi (@izz_.yezzi) shared a TikTok video where she and her sister were patrolling their little area in Columbus, Ohio. They saw what looked to be a suspicious vehicle in the area and followed it. However, what happened next is something they never expected. In the video, you can see an ICE agent get out of their vehicle and walk toward the sister’s car. Another greets her sister on the opposite side.
When Yezzi rolls down her window, the ICE agent asks her if she is lost. He then says, “I don’t care if you record this.” He then tells her he’s giving her one warning. The agent continues, “If you follow us again, we’re going to stop you, we’re going to break your window, and we’re going to rip you out and arrest you. Okay?” Yezzi, complacent, just says, “Alright.” When she tries to speak, he tells her this is her “one warning” and interrupts her, telling her to “take care.” The two agents then retreat to their vehicle without saying another word. It’s an incredibly threatening moment, and you can tell they think they’re some real tough guys.
Commenters were up in arms over the moment, telling Yezzi that this type of behavior from immigration agents should be reported. One commenter suggested, “You should be emailing this video to every local news station, the mayor, and your reps.” The commenter went on to say, “They broke laws during this interaction. Accountability doesn’t care what acronym is on your badge.”
The problem is, ICE agents think they have the same power as police, and they don’t. As one commenter mentioned, “It is outside their scope of authority. They are not cops and do not have the power to arrest you!” Without probable cause or an emergency scenario in which federal law allows them to intervene, their hands are tied in many situations. Citizens need to understand their rights during these challenging times.
