Ex-ICE director says Trump’s immigration crackdown putting agents in “terrible position”

Chicago — The rules of engagement for federal agents have come under scrutiny amid President Trump's immigration crackdown, with one former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement telling CBS News that agents are being put in a “terrible position” and tasked with conducting operations “in a city where they don't belong.”

From car accidents To strong takedownsencounters with federal agents captured on cellphone video have gone viral amid the crackdown. The recent incidents have involved ICE as well as the U.S. Border Patrol, whose agents are trained to catch drug traffickers and people smugglers in the deserts along the southern U.S. border. Now, however, many of these Border Patrol agents are back on the streets. cities like Chicago.

“What immediately strikes me is how the current administration has put these agents in a terrible position,” John Sandwegformer acting director of ICE, told CBS News. “…These are units designed to combat high-risk threats and use overwhelming force. And I think the big flaw here is that I don't blame these agents. I blame the administration for placing agents trained in this manner in a city where they do not belong.”

Federal agents fired tear gas at a crowd Tuesday on Chicago's South Side following a crash involving a federal vehicle. This is the use of tear gas prompted a federal judge will express concerns Thursday and issue an order on Friday requiring agents in Chicago to wear body cameras in response. in a lawsuit initiated by several media outlets in response to allegations that federal agents used strong-arm tactics against protesters and journalists.

“I'm glad the judge is stepping up and doing the right thing,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker told reporters. “I think we will see more cases brought against ICE and CBP.”

ICE and the Border Patrol are part of the Department of Homeland Security. Sandweg says the rules for interacting with DHS agents are “generally” the same as for local law enforcement agencies.

“The use of force policy for DHS is very consistent with law enforcement agencies across the country,” Sandweg said. “The force you use must be reasonable given the threat you face. You have to try to de-escalate the situation first.”

CBS News showed DHS some of the viral videos. In response, a DHS spokesperson told CBS News that the videos show “a growing and dangerous trend of illegal aliens and agitators obstructing and attacking law enforcement.”

Jerry Robinette, who has 34 years of law enforcement experience as a police officer and special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations, an agency within DHS, said the situation is “stressful” for “both sides” – protesters and federal agents.

“Agents have a mission, and they are willing to endure a lot,” Robinette said. “And when somebody crosses that line, you know, the administration has basically given them orders not to back down.”

Robinette said he believes the U.S. is in uncharted territory regarding these immigration raids and the protests they spark.

“We have never had to deal with such extreme collisions,” Robinette said. “You know, there were isolated incidents, but we don’t see anything like that today. And for us, obviously, this is something completely alien.”