I don’t think Americans are even willing to admit to themselves that law enforcement, even in ocean blue regions, are not under democratic control and the orders elected officials give them are mainly suggestions.
I understand not wanting to believe this as it is deeply disturbing. But things cannot be changed until basic realities are understood.
I would say that while neither group is under full democratic control, that local and state LEOs are at least hemmed in somewhat by often living amongst those they are policing and are usually experienced enough to know that following some of their most block-headed instincts (e.g., no knock, no announcement entries into residences) will earn you a bullet in the face as if you are a home invader, and that if the shooter survives the encounter, the system will likely let the person who put the bullet in you walk.
ICE are brazen because while they are not a new force, they haven’t had significant enough field experience in America to know that rules of engagement aren’t followed solely to protect the people subject to your patrols.
I don’t think Americans are even willing to admit to themselves that law enforcement, even in ocean blue regions, are not under democratic control and the orders elected officials give them are mainly suggestions.
I understand not wanting to believe this as it is deeply disturbing. But things cannot be changed until basic realities are understood.
I would say that while neither group is under full democratic control, that local and state LEOs are at least hemmed in somewhat by often living amongst those they are policing and are usually experienced enough to know that following some of their most block-headed instincts (e.g., no knock, no announcement entries into residences) will earn you a bullet in the face as if you are a home invader, and that if the shooter survives the encounter, the system will likely let the person who put the bullet in you walk.
ICE are brazen because while they are not a new force, they haven’t had significant enough field experience in America to know that rules of engagement aren’t followed solely to protect the people subject to your patrols.
Case in point, look at the LA county sheriffs. Known to be home to multiple gang members from at least 1970.
Police are rarely under the strong (or even weak) control of elected representatives in the United States (and probably anywhere.)