In the aftermath of several shootings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the US, a viral post shared by a man on how he commutes daily is being widely shared on social media.
The man, who identified himself as an “former illegal alien” with roots from Mexico, shared a photo of his car on X, which showed several documents like passports and other ID proofs on display.
Besides US passport, the photo featured ‘Make America Great Again’ hat, his birth certificate, and the American national flag.
“This is how I drive to work everyday,” he wrote, captioning his post, which garnered over five million views.
Netizens react to his post
Despite a grim national atmosphere, the post received a barrage of funny responses. A user commented writing, “Plot twist. Car gets stolen and you get deported because lack of ID.”
Another user suggested that the man should put the documents inside “a safety security glass box, so no one steals them or run with them”.
What’s going on in the US?
In recent weeks, the ICE, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has been at the centre of heightened controversy.
In Minneapolis on January 7, an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old US citizen during a raid that drew large crowds and protests. Authorities claim the agent shot at the woman, identified as Renee Nicole Good, in self-defence after she allegedly tried to strike officers with her vehicle, but video evidence and local officials dispute that account, saying she was trying to leave the scene when she was shot multiple times.
Just days later, in north Minneapolis, another federal agent wounded a Venezuelan man during a confrontation at a traffic stop, triggering further unrest and protests, and federal agents reportedly used flash-bangs and tear gas on bystanders.
These incidents have sparked nationwide demonstrations and political calls, some urging the removal of ICE agents from cities, others backing federal enforcement, and have even led to Department Of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors resigning in protest over how the investigations are being handled.
Minnesota and Illinois invoke 10th Amendment
Minnesota and Illinois have filed lawsuits to push back against the federal agency, citing the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to block its operations. The amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.