Video footage is going viral on Reddit of ICE agents searching for a “subject” in Upstate New York, turning up in force in vehicles with seemingly obscured license plates. Although the agents don’t locate the person this time, one of them calmly but chillingly declares that they “will return and attempt to locate the subject.”
With President Trump’s illegal immigration plans in full swing, we’re seeing more and more footage of ICE in action. Many are nothing short of alarming in nature. For example, we’ve seen footage of armored vehicles used to make arrests, of reported injuries due to ICE involvement, and of damage to property in the course of an arrest. As a result, numerous protests have sprung up across the US as people of Latin American descent, in particular, grapple with Trump’s agenda.
In comparison to some of the disturbing footage that is circulating, this clip of ICE agents Upstate New York is relatively mild. In the video, armed and armored ICE agents turn up to an address looking for “a subject.” They converse with the person filming the clip, but say that “if you’re not willing to help us, then we’re not gonna have this conversation.” The agents believe that the person filming has advised the individual they’re looking for “not to open the door.”
Perhaps because they’re on film, the ICE agents give up on this occasion. As they return to their vehicles, another woman questions the agents’ purpose. One of the agents, seemingly in charge, admits that they’re looking for someone. He goes on to say that they’ll leave but, somewhat chillingly, “will return and attempt to locate that subject.”
Further, one of the ICE agents seems to search the rear of a property. When confronted by the person filming, he ignores the questions, seemingly unable to clarify whether he’s permitted to intrude on the property.
Perhaps most telling of all, however, is the fact the ICE vehicles’ license plates seem to be obscured. Reddit was quick to jump on the fact, with one user declaring, “License plates are covered. That’s illegal in my state.” Another Redditor confirmed: “Definitely illegal in NYS.” Some disputed the suggestion, however, proposing that the plates were merely dirty. Perhaps conveniently so.
It’s also notable how little formal identification the ICE agents seem to carry, with no badges and unmarked cars. In truth, they look more like vigilantes than officers. As one Redditor suggested, “If you see these people and they refuse to identify themselves call the cops. Immediately. There are fake agents right now.” That seems like good advice. There are always those looking to exploit such a volatile situation, and we need to remain vigilant.
