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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents used racial slurs during a Los Angeles crackdown, according to newly released court files, raising serious concerns about racial profiling and unlawful detention practices. The documents, filed in federal court, reveal text messages where agents referred to subjects with derogatory terms, including "tonks" and "wet," which are widely recognized as anti-immigrant slurs. These revelations come amid a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that ICE's stop-and-arrest tactics during the LA raids were unconstitutional.

Racial Slurs in ICE Text Messages

Court documents 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. In another exchange on July 2, 2025, an agent wrote, "Some of these people are stupid. Why would you post on social media that you're wet," using an abbreviated version of a slur targeting undocumented Mexicans crossing the Rio Grande. These slurs were used casually among agents, despite prior warnings from border patrol against such language.

Lawsuit Alleges Unlawful Stop-and-Arrest Practices

Five men filed a lawsuit in June 2025, claiming that ICE agents unlawfully stopped and arrested individuals based on race and socioeconomic status during the Los Angeles raids. Three of the plaintiffs were detained while waiting at a bus stop for work, and a fourth had his arm twisted and was pushed against a gate by masked agents, even after he identified himself as a U.S. citizen. The plaintiffs' lawyers are seeking a federal injunction to bar future detention stops based on race or socioeconomic status.

Evidence of Racial Profiling

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 emphasized that immigration officers are "flagrantly violating the law by detaining people without justification and often primarily because of the color of their skin." The court filing also includes a declaration from Angel Santiago Tafolla, a U.S. citizen from Anaheim, who witnessed the agents' conduct but is not a plaintiff.

Comparison of ICE Practices and Legal Standards

Key Takeaways from the Court Filings

• ICE agents used racial slurs in official communications during the LA crackdown.
• The lawsuit alleges unlawful stop-and-arrest practices targeting minorities.
• U.S. citizens were among those detained, indicating widespread racial profiling.
• ACLU calls for immediate legal reforms and accountability for ICE agents.
• Federal judge may impose restrictions on future ICE operations if plaintiffs prevail.

FAQ

These revelations underscore the urgent need for oversight and reform in immigration enforcement. As the case progresses, the court's decision could set a precedent for how ICE conducts operations nationwide. For now, the plaintiffs and civil rights advocates demand accountability and an end to racially motivated policing.