Terrorism as defined by google is “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.” Although there are many types of terrorism, the idea is always to send a message. For example, Al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden, organized the September 11 attacks as a response to American interventionism in the Middle East. Another example would be the 2025 New Orleans truck attack with the perpetrators main motivation being inspired by ISIS.
In contrast, according to the Trump administration, their idea of terrorism is any state or governor level politician that encourages peaceful protests against ICE raids. Around two weeks ago, According to ABC news Trump threatened to invoke the insurrection act in response to an ICE agent and federal officer being involved in a shooting in Minneapolis. If done, it would undermine state authority and federalize the national guard.
It’s not only irresponsible to refer to these politicians as terrorists but also dangerous for the future as even individual citizens could be viewed as terrorists, simply for opposing or giving the perception that they oppose ICE agents. This was how Renee Good, an American citizen killed by an ICE agent, was referred to by the Trump administration as a domestic terrorist, even in her death. This also puts ICE’s overall competence with detainees in question as well. Last year was one of ICE’s deadliest years with over 32 people dying in custody.
Not only is it incredibly risky for the government to refer to any opposition to the raids as terrorists, it’s also ignorant as well. No government should ever weaponize itself against the people, much less cause division with the intent of gaining obedience from the people. But our government doesn’t seem to care about this, more specifically ICE doesn’t seem to care as they are even willing to use a 5-year-old as bait in order to capture asylum seekers which challenges the justification of ICE itself to conduct these deportation operations.
