A Former Federal Agent Gives His Take on Use of Force Against Demonstrators
Unrest has swept across the country, with protests against immigration policies taking place in various cities. The response from federal agents has sparked controversy, as footage shows the use of force techniques such as chokeholds, pepper spray, and vehicle maneuvers. The question is, have these techniques crossed the line from legal to excessive?
According to government policies, force is allowed only when there doesn't seem to be any other safe, effective, and feasible options. However, upon viewing hundreds of videos from these protests, it appears that the agents might not always be adhering to this protocol.
Expert Opinion on the Matter
A veteran federal agent, who spent over 20 years working for both Democrat and Republican administrations, was asked to review these videos. He expressed his concern, stating that the policing and law enforcement tactics he witnessed were not what he practiced during his tenure.
However, not everyone agrees. The leader of the federal agents responding to protests in Chicago believes that if a person walks into a pepper ball, then they should accept the consequences. He advises against protesting and trespassing.
Lawsuits and Orders
Protesters and media organizations in Chicago are challenging these tactics in court. Similar complaints have been issued against the actions recorded in other cities. A judge has recently issued an order preventing federal agents from using chemical sprays, tear gas, or any other less-lethal weapons unless it is necessary to prevent immediate harm to someone. The administration is currently appealing this order.
In response to this order, the department is now rushing to revise its guidelines about banned use-of-force tactics. The judge stated she sees little reason for the current use of force by federal agents, saying that it "shocks the conscience".
Despite this, the president believes that the current tactics have not gone far enough.
Analysis of Tactics Used
The veteran federal agent identified several areas of concern after reviewing the footage. These include:
- Firing less-than-lethal munitions at protesters' heads and torsos: Videos show agents standing several stories above protesters, firing munitions towards their heads and torsos, which goes against agency policy.
- Use of tear gas and pepper spray at close range: Footage from several cities shows agents releasing large amounts of tear gas and pepper spray at protesters, sometimes at a dangerously close range.
- Using vehicles as a form of deadly force: Videos show agents in various cities using vehicles to push or move protesters. The veteran agent argues that using a vehicle in this way is considered deadly force and carries a substantial risk of causing death or serious injury.
- Prohibited chokeholds and hands-on contact: Some videos reveal agents using aggressive hands-on tactics, including chokeholds, which are forbidden unless deadly force is authorized.
Commander's Response and Potential Consequences
The commander leading the federal agents insists that no one has violated policy. However, the veteran agent believes this lack of accountability could have damaging effects on federal law enforcement in the long run.
He is worried that it will cause irreparable harm to the public's trust in law enforcement officers, creating a divide that could take years to mend, if it can be mended at all.
Despite the controversy, the department maintains that federal agents are trained to use the least amount of force necessary, prioritizing public and personal safety. They claim that protesters have presented real dangers to their agents, including throwing rocks, bottles, and fireworks, slashing vehicle tires, ramming vehicles, and destroying multiple law enforcement vehicles.
Despite these threats, the department insists that their law enforcement officers show incredible restraint and exhaust all options before escalating the use of force.