ICE Agents Used Banned Chokeholds in 40+ Arrests Despite Federal Ban
A ProPublica investigation confirms that more than 40 cases of federal immigration agents using banned chokeholds and other moves that can block breathing occurred across the U.S., raising fresh concerns about use-of-force practices by federal officers. The report matters now as national attention focuses on immigration enforcement tactics and federal accountability amid public outcry over force used in recent operations.
Critics say the tactics long prohibited under federal force guidelines after reforms following George Floyd’s killing, directly endanger lives and violate standards intended to prevent asphyxiation during arrests. Videos reviewed by ProPublica show agents applying neck holds, knee pressure to the upper body and other restraints that can cut off air.
The nonprofit newsroom documented over 40 such instances nationwide, with some incidents involving U.S. citizens as well as immigrants. One high-profile example detailed a 16-year-old boy in Houston placed in a chokehold while his father was being taken to the ground, an encounter captured by bystanders.
Despite these documented cases, the Department of Homeland Security has not publicly outlined disciplinary steps against agents involved, and policymakers have expressed frustration that existing rules appear to be circumvented in practice.
“A move that cuts off someone’s breathing shouldn’t be part of regular immigration enforcement,” said a former federal law enforcement official reviewing the footage.
The findings matter because they suggest a pattern of force escalation that federal policies were specifically designed to prevent, raising legal and civil rights questions nationwide. Advocates argue this trend risks eroding trust and could expose the government to legal challenges.
ProPublica says the tally is based on available video, records and interviews, but acknowledges that the true number of such incidents could be higher. Follow-ups are expected from congressional oversight committees and at least one civil rights group. Agencies may be pressed to clarify use-of-force policies and enforcement in coming weeks. The issue remains under active scrutiny.