By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In recent weeks, ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minneapolis have resulted in the deaths of two individuals, prompting serious questions about their mission and accountability. The author, a combat veteran, draws parallels between military rules of engagement and the actions of law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of restraint and transparency. Minnesota is calling for a full legal investigation into these killings, questioning the agencies’ actions and demanding adherence to constitutional principles. The article argues that operating without accountability, transparency, and restraint is unacceptable, especially given the values that Minnesota upholds.
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Iraq Combat Vet Writes that ICE’s Mission is to Kill
As a combat soldier, I’ve learned to recognize a mission, not by what’s announced, but by the actions being taken. Considering that, I’m seeing something deeply troubling in the actions of ICE and Border Patrol. In Minneapolis alone, their operations have resulted in two deaths within weeks. Contrast that with my battalion’s year-long deployment in Iraq, where, despite the dangers, we didn’t kill a single person. That difference matters, and it speaks volumes about the current mission.
The experiences of other veterans echo these concerns. Some have served in intense combat situations, facing IEDs and losing friends, yet they report a level of restraint and respect towards Iraqis that they don’t see reflected in ICE’s interactions with American citizens and immigrants. The sentiment is that these agents are behaving like “little men,” embracing fascist and bigoted ideologies. The perception is that they are cosplaying as soldiers while engaging in actions that undermine the very values they are sworn to protect. The feeling is that a cancer of hate and “might is right” has taken root and is metastasizing rapidly.
The language used by these agencies, especially phrases like “comply or die,” evokes the tactics used with hostages, not free people. The implication is that this aggressive approach is part of a deliberate strategy. Some veterans believe that the ultimate goal is to create a situation of widespread terror, even a civil war. There are theories that some groups might be setting up false flags by blaming the left for violent actions. The end game is to create the conditions for martial law and suspend elections.
Many veterans point out that ICE’s actions are often brutal, and seemingly designed to provoke a violent reaction. This would then justify the invocation of the Insurrection Act, bringing in the military to quell unrest. They also believe that the Trump regime uses the same tactics as al-Qaeda, weaponizing the media, treating death as a spectacle, and generating overreactions to create a sense of helplessness. The goal is to make people fear and react violently, which can be then used as a pretext for government overreach.
The sentiment is that ICE is not just un-American; they are barely human. The idea of the “kill mission” is not taken lightly; the feeling is that they are actively trying to provoke confrontation. The overall goal is to sow fear and spark violence, using it as a justification for even more government control and violence. The idea that this is being done for political gain, particularly in anticipation of upcoming elections, is a major concern.
Veterans see an escalation of tactics designed to create a sense of insecurity. The mission is to instill fear and provoke a violent response that can be exploited for political gain. The belief is that if the midterms proceed as normal, the current administration and its allies will lose. Therefore, they are intentionally provoking the public, pushing boundaries and challenging the norms of civil society.
The experiences in Iraq, where rules of engagement and de-escalation were paramount, highlight the stark contrast with the current situation. Veterans who have faced life-or-death situations in combat understand the importance of restraint. A deep seated frustration exists that the rules of engagement are being disregarded.
There’s a sense that the current administration doesn’t care about facts or the constitution. The focus is to enrich themselves and obtain as much power as possible. They’re willing to use any means necessary to achieve their objectives. The overall sentiment is that the primary motivation is the pursuit of power and wealth, using any means necessary, including violence.