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US Military Members And Veterans Are Revealing How They Honestly Feel About Trump's ICE Raids "If this continues, I do not see any hope for this country returning to a democratic republic." Hot Topic 🔥 Full coverage and conversation on Politics If you're an American and you don't live under a rock, then you're likely aware of the Trump administration's raids on American cities by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (better known as ICE). The agency has been under fire for its aggressive detainments — going as far as being called "kidnappings" — with arrests often made by masked agents in unmarked vehicles. With Trump's ICE raids continuing, I asked US military members and veterans how they felt about them, and they did not hold back. Here's how military members and veterans are reacting: 1. "As a veteran, I put on a uniform to protect the rights of every American, and those who reside in the USA. It is an absolute disgrace that Trump's ICE brigade has illegally taken away their rights. Those who cannot show or confirm their identities should be arrested for their crimes against humanity." 2. "Seeing what's happening is like Germany in 1936: rounding people up, throwing them in camps, and laughing about doing it. I don't think Americans realize what's going on, or understand the history of this happening before." —Anonymous BuzzFeed TrendingHot Topic Let's chat about all things Politics See our Politics Discussions 3. "I think it's great! If you're here illegally, you need to be REMOVED!" —Tod, 64, Indiana 4. "Veteran here. To you ICE agents: take the mask off, read the Constitution, abide by the law, remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and stop being complete dicks. Maybe these people should get training in arrest and control, use of force, and search and seizure instead." 5. "I was in the USAF from 1972–1976. Donald Trump is a big, steaming pile in the middle of my front lawn. EVERYONE who supports him is a traitor to the USA and spits on the graves of every soldier who died for the freedoms they helped Trump steal." —David, 70 6. "I'm a US Navy veteran. Trump's and Kristi Noem's ICE raids are unconstitutional and a disgrace to America and the freedoms and liberties that I served for. They are detaining immigrants who are not a danger to society, who check in with their ICE appointments regularly, who've lived here peacefully for more than 15 years, who've paid thousands of dollars already, and/or who are waiting for approval from the government to obtain legal status. It was a joke when I read that Kristi Noem's department said that even immigrants with DUIs are 'criminals' and 'dangers' to society. They have nothing else on their records. So, apparently, every US citizen who has ever had a DUI is a dangerous criminal as well and needs to be removed. *Eye roll.*" —Anonymous, 39 7. "The raids are long overdue and are an essential function of the government that was abandoned by the treasonous, treacherous Biden administration." —Dan, 70, New Mexico 8. "I'm a veteran. It doesn't take someone with a military background to see that ICE is a bunch of untrained thugs getting off on hurting people in the service of a psychopathic bully." 9. "I think the raids are disgusting, cruel, and unlawful." —Anonymous 10. "I was stationed in Taiwan under Generalissimo Chang and watched Marcos become the dictator of the Philippines. They both used secret police to control their population, just like ICE. We are being lied to in order to justify Trump's actions. I don't have a problem rounding up criminal illegals, but we shouldn't be doing that to those who are paying taxes and improving our country. It's not the political parties that's the problem; it's the billionaires." —happybook371 11. "I am absolutely appalled by the actions this country is taking when it comes to the ICE raids. I am deeply disturbed by any current member or veteran who agrees with these actions. From a military standpoint, these actions are ones the military works against overseas, and these individuals should know better than to oppress others." —Anonymous 12. "Trump and Noem are out of control. They go after soft targets using a bunch of goons. This is not the America I fought for in Vietnam. Wake up, America, before it's too late." 13. "Disabled Navy veteran here. Those ICE thugs are the assholes who washed out of boot camp, or the ones who say things like, 'I'll punch a drill instructor if they get in my face.' Bunch of pansies. I stand by the oath: 'To defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic.'" —dazzlingsunflower777 14. "I support ICE unequivocally. We let millions of people into this country illegally, and our tax system and infrastructure cannot support the strain placed on Americans. From the increase in crime and the lack of prosecutions to the rise in welfare roles and traffic, among other things, we cannot afford to have everyone break our laws and then reward them. It is about time we followed the law, no matter how imperfect it is. My grandparents followed the law, escaped persecution and civil discontent, and became citizens the correct and just way. Enforcing the law as written is key to a civilized social structure. It is a shame that doxxing goes on and that the protests have grown violent. The officers are just doing their jobs; no one has the right to threaten their families." —Anonymous 15. "If the ICE operations were solely focused on actual criminal immigrants and were done in a professional manner that minimized the impact on society, that would be one thing. But seeing the absolute chaos going on is not only insulting to the intent of the organization, but an affront to the American people. The actions of ICE and DHS are so unprofessional and undisciplined, as evidenced by the numerous non-criminals, citizens, and other lawfully present individuals caught up in the ICE detainments. Using a bulldozer when tweezers are needed is not a sign of success or something to be proud of. It's a sign of failed leadership, and it's another example of what a mockery the administration is making of this wonderful country. No one should feel proud about any of this." —Anonymous 16. "I'm an Army combat veteran who joined right after 9/11 and left in December 2010. I vote across the aisle and constantly vote third party. That said, Trump is rapidly turning this country into a military dictatorship (I've lived in two different dictatorships, so I know what they look like), and ICE is an extension of that. The raids and what's happening to these people are illegal and inhumane, and they need to be halted ASAP. Additionally, ICE needs to be immediately downsized, demilitarized, and overhauled before we have an overwhelming police state on our hands. If this continues, I do not see any hope for this country returning to a democratic republic." 17. "As a US Army veteran, there's no doubt in my mind that the vast majority of ICE members are thugs who walk around impotently with their imaginary erections, thinking they are America's badasses. The fact is, they are weak, insecure caricatures of real men who can't pass background checks or physical and written exams. They're only interested in getting their rocks off by fucking people up and traumatizing whoever they can." —witchypepper71 18. "As an Army veteran, I am disgusted. And to tell you the truth, I'm tired of all this Democrat vs Republican bullcrap. Give the people healthcare and food. It's not a party issue, but a humanitarian one. And leave the damn immigrants alone. Statistically speaking, they're not bothering anyone. Last I saw, it was a white male who attempted to assassinate Trump; it was a white male who killed Charlie Kirk; and it's a geriatric convicted felon white male ruining our country." —icysquid8642 19. Lastly: "I'm a 78-year-old, twice-wounded Marine, independent voter who believes in the Constitution, the rule of law, and democracy. This is NOT the country I fought and bled for. America's Gestapo is running wild and violently. If these masked Gestapo come to my neighborhood, they can expect to be confronted by other veterans and neighbors. If ICE turns violent, then so will we. DOWN WITH THIS FASCIST REGIME! I love my country and took an oath to defend the Constitution! I may be old, but I'm still willing to die for democracy! Semper Fi!" If you're an active US military member, in the reserves, or a veteran, how do you feel about the Trump administration's ICE raids? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit your thoughts using the form below. Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
