A SWAT team was called in alongside ICE and DEA agents, surrounding vans belonging to a roofing company as workers were lined up against a wall
Michael Tabman, a former FBI special agent in charge, said he spent his career working drug interdictions and rarely had to hide his identity from the public or make such a display of force.
“This level of force, and intimidation, and psychological warfare, just doesn’t seem necessary,” he said.
He believes it can be counterproductive, as the immigrant community may make more desperate attempts to evade police.
“The person being arrested should be assured that this is actually a law enforcement operation. We want to reduce the fear, reduce the chance of them fighting back because they fear they’re being kidnapped,” said Tabman.
