ICE Agents Used Racial Slurs During Los Angeles Immigration 2026

ICE agents deployed to Los Angeles last summer used racial slurs during immigration operations, newly released court documents reveal. The slurs, including “tonks” and “wet,” were exchanged in text chains among agents, signaling a pattern of bias that civil rights advocates say violates the law. This article examines the evidence from the lawsuit and what it means for immigration enforcement practices.

Details of the Court Filings

On July 4, 2025, an unidentified ICE agent wrote in a text chain, “btw tonks everywhere selling food for the 4th festivities in long beach right now,” invoking a known anti-immigrant slur. Two days earlier, another agent used the term “wet,” a derogatory abbreviation for undocumented Mexican migrants crossing the Rio Grande. These messages were made public in a motion filed by lawyers for five men who sued the Trump administration in June 2025, alleging unlawful stop-and-arrest practices during the Los Angeles immigration raids.

Allegations of Racial Profiling

The plaintiffs claim ICE agents targeted individuals based on race and socioeconomic status. In one incident, three men were arrested while waiting at a bus stop for work. A fourth plaintiff, a U.S. citizen, had his arm twisted and was pushed against a gate by masked agents. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California’s deputy director of immigrants’ rights, Maya Joachin, stated the records show “a pattern of racial profiling.” She added that immigration officers are “flagrantly violating the law” by detaining people primarily because of the color of their skin.

Key Evidence and Comparison Table

The table above summarizes key moments from the court filings. The use of derogatory language highlights systemic issues within ICE and border enforcement agencies.

Broader Context and Implications

The case seeks to bar future detention stops based on race or socioeconomic status. An additional declaration from Angel Santiago Tafolla, a U.S. citizen, describes ICE agents sweeping through a car wash he was at in Anaheim. These events underscore ongoing concerns about racial profiling in immigration enforcement. Legal experts say the lawsuit could set a precedent for how civil rights are protected during federal operations.

Key Takeaways

• ICE agents used racial slurs in internal communications during Los Angeles raids.
• Five men filed a lawsuit alleging unconstitutional stop-and-arrest practices.
• The ACLU calls for an end to race-based detention.
• Court documents reveal a pattern of bias from federal immigration officers.
• The outcome may influence future immigration policy and oversight.

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