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Following the protest near the Los Angeles ICE facility, the damage left behind highlights a moment of intense emotion. While a small number of individuals lashed out at federal officers, most people present were observers, not aggressors. DHS personnel deployed pepper balls at the ground for area effect—a more restrained approach than I’ve recently observed in Portland.
With public opposition this visible, what does the path forward look like?
As ICE protesters threw everything from glass bottles to chairs at DHS officers in Los Angeles, officers relied on shields most agencies phased out decades ago. While chemical agents were deployed, PPE appeared inconsistent, with many officers wearing only N95 masks.
With ICE units often heavily equipped in the streets, should DHS be tasked with defending federal facilities without comparable protective gear?
🎬That’s Strange - Episode 6:
Law enforcement lighting has tactical value, from visibility to scene management. Officers know light discipline is about balance. Presence can be established without excessive illumination that escalates tension or appears intimidating.
🎬That’s Strange - Episode 5:
The use of so-called “less-lethal” tools by ICE and law enforcement does not mean a situation is non-lethal. When paired with overwatch positions, these tactics can increase risk for demonstrators exercising rights. Are ICE’s tactics proportionate?
🎬That’s Strange - Episode 4:
Law enforcement is to serve the law, not a political cause. Their duty is to uphold rights and apply the law equally. When policing turns into “us vs. them,” history shows how quickly things go wrong.
Is ICE enforcing the law or advancing a cause?
🎬That’s Strange - Episode 3:
Looking at the scene outside the Portland ICE facility: federal officers are managing protests without traditional reactive posturing. Are these crowd-control measures better than what’s typically taught in law enforcement?
🎬That’s Strange - Episode 2:
In Portland, federal officers advanced on a peaceful crowd for blocking a driveway — even though no vehicles were attempting to pass. Was this good crowd control, or a lack of care for the right to assemble?
🎬 That’s Strange – Episode 1:
Outside the Portland ICE facility on Oct. 11, we spoke with a counter-protester backing ICE.
The conversation raised a serious question: were civilians given access to secure federal systems or property?
🚨 NEW: The protester we interviewed last week was taken into custody today by the Department of Homeland Security, according to a post on the official @DHSgov X account.
DHS alleges he engaged in criminal activity during the demonstration. After reviewing their footage, do you believe it reflects criminal conduct?