I have received several questions regarding the tactics used by forces that are supposedly from DHS, ICE, Border Patrol, or other traditionally identified federal law enforcement agencies.
In particular, the questoins revolve around videos like this one: https://youtu.be/RGqJjRFSKzs?si=Hkq55ROcY6JW4Sgl
To be clear, our programs have produced many graduates who have worked or are working in various federal agencies. Traditionally, the federal law enforcement agencies have been the benchmark for following the expectations of the Constitution and the laws of the United States regarding all things, but especially use of force and proper procedures for interacting with the public in as safe a manner as possible.
If you have taken my CRJ 227, Administration of Justice course, you know that the things depicted in this and all the other videos that surface daily are improper, unwarranted, and illegal. If you haven't taken this course, it will be offered in the summer of 2026. I have also taught a course through the Police Training Center located in Poplar Hall. That course covers all of the basic expectations for law enforcement officers when interacting with the public. From initial interaction through custody and arrest. It includes the expectations for the proper and lawful use of force.
What you see in this and many other videos is the improper and unlawful interaction by law enforcement. The individuals who do these things should face consequences, criminally and civilly. In other words, doing the things you see in this and other videos, putting the people sought to be taken into custody and people in the vicinity at risk of harm, punching a defenseless person in the head while sitting on top of that individual, ramming vehicles carrying children, all the things, will result in law enforcement officers losing their jobs, being subject to criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits for money damages. It will result in civil lawsuits against the agency that employs the individuals who commit these unlawful acts, resulting in injury, death, and wrongful arrest. And you, me and anyone paying taxes will pay for these improper and unlawful acts. We will be left paying for the millions of dollars that will eventually be awarded to the people who suffered injury or harm in the incidents we continue to see in the news every day.
But you know what is even worse than the loss of money we will all end up paying because of the dumb, misguided, improper, and unlawful acts? The worst part of all of this is that it makes the job of well-trained, good-intentioned law enforcement officers at every federal, state, and local law enforcement agency in the United States that much more difficult. It puts a bad light on an already challenging vocation, the calling to serve and protect the public.
When you watch these videos, realize that the things you see are the exact opposite of what you should ever do if you continue on your path towards serving in a law and justice career.
