The cuffing and shackling of some deportees by ICE has sparked controversy, particularly from liberal groups and foreign governments. This article by Todd Bensman explores the reasons behind these measures and the events that led to their implementation.
1. Controversial Responses:
Critics, including some foreign leaders, have expressed outrage at the use of restraints on deportees. Indian officials protested the arrival of detained migrants with handcuffs, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro insisted that deportees should not be treated as criminals.
2. Need for Security Measures:
The uproar has overlooked the rationale for these safety measures. According to Bensman, understanding the tight security around deportations requires revisiting a significant disturbance during a mass deportation event under President Biden.
3. Past Incidents:
In September 2021, a large camp of Haitian migrants in Del Rio drew intense media attention, prompting urgent deportations. When departing a Texas airbase, some male migrants became unruly upon realizing they were being sent back to Haiti, damaging the plane and attempting to take control.
4. Violence During Deportations:
There were multiple violent incidents, including attempts to hijack planes and assaults on ICE agents. Detainees attempted to escape during transportation, with some successfully breaching security.
5. Policy Changes:
These chaotic scenes prompted the Department of Homeland Security to enhance security protocols for deportations, including the shackling of adult detainees. This change was aimed at minimizing violence and ensuring the safety of everyone involved during flights.
While the decision to cuff and shackle deportees is contentious and often criticized, it stems from previous incidents of disorder and violence during deportations. The measures are primarily intended as precautionary steps to maintain safety for ICE officers and the general public.
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