ICE Agents Used Racial Slurs in LA Crackdown, Court Files Show 2026

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents used racial slurs during the Los Angeles crackdown, according to newly released court files. The documents, made public on Monday, reveal text messages where agents referred to immigrants with derogatory terms like "tonks" and "wet," sparking outrage and legal challenges. The case highlights systemic issues in immigration enforcement and raises urgent questions about racial profiling and civil rights.

Racial Slurs in Official Communications

Court filings show that 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," using an anti-immigrant slur that the US Border Patrol has previously warned against. Another message from July 2, 2025, read: "Some of these people are stupid. Why would you post on social media that you're wet," using an abbreviated slur for undocumented Mexicans crossing the Rio Grande. These slurs appear in multiple correspondences, indicating a pattern of dehumanizing language among agents.

Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

The slurs were disclosed in a motion filed for a case brought by five men against the Trump administration in June 2025. The plaintiffs allege that ICE agents' stop-and-arrest practices during the Los Angeles raids were unlawful and racially motivated. Lawyers for the men are seeking a federal judge to bar any further detention stops based on race or socioeconomic status. The case underscores the need for accountability in federal immigration operations.

Three of the plaintiffs were arrested while waiting at a bus stop for work, while a fourth had his arm twisted and was pushed against a gate by masked agents, despite explaining he was a US citizen. These incidents, detailed in the court declaration, paint a troubling picture of overreach and bias.

Racial Profiling Allegations

Mayra Joachin, deputy director of immigrants' rights at the ACLU of Southern California, stated in a press release that the records evidence "a pattern of racial profiling." She added, "Immigration officers are flagrantly violating the law by detaining people without justification and often primarily because of the color of their skin." The ACLU's involvement highlights the broader civil rights implications of the case.

Angel Santiago Tafolla, an Anaheim resident and US citizen not among the plaintiffs, also provided a court declaration in the Monday filing, further corroborating the allegations of discriminatory enforcement. His testimony adds weight to the claim that ICE agents are targeting individuals based on appearance rather than probable cause.

Comparison of ICE Raids and Legal Standards

Key Takeaways

• ICE agents used racial slurs in official communications during LA raids.
• Five men filed a lawsuit alleging unlawful stop-and-arrest practices.
• ACLU calls the records evidence of racial profiling.
• Federal judge may bar race-based detention stops.
• Case highlights need for immigration reform and oversight.

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