DistantNews
Support us
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Crime & Justice

ICE agents used racial slurs during Los Angeles crackdown, court files show

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data In the courts
  • ICE agents allegedly used racial slurs against undocumented Mexicans during a Los Angeles operation.
  • Court filings reveal accusations of anti-immigrant slurs and denigration of individuals.
  • The lawsuit details specific instances of offensive language used by agents in text messages.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly used racial slurs and denigrated undocumented Mexicans during an immigration crackdown in Los Angeles last summer, according to newly released court documents. The lawsuit details accusations that agents employed anti-immigrant slurs while carrying out their duties.

One specific instance cited in the court filings involves an agent who allegedly wrote in a text message on July 4, 2025, "btw tonks everywhere selling food for the 4th festivities in long beach right now." The term "tonks" is an anti-immigrant slur, which the U.S. Border Patrol has previously warned against using.

These revelations have surfaced through newly released court documents, adding a layer of scrutiny to the conduct of federal agents during immigration enforcement operations. The alleged use of offensive language raises serious questions about professionalism and respect for the individuals targeted by these operations.

btw tonks everywhere selling food for the 4th festivities in long beach right now

— Unidentified ICE AgentThis text message, included in court filings, allegedly demonstrates the use of a racial slur by an ICE agent.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog