Source: Blic TV
Photo: Blic TV
Video: Blic TV

 

January 28, 2026 – During 2025 and the beginning of 2026, the United States witnessed intensified activity by the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose actions sparked strong reactions from the public, political actors, and human rights organizations. The trigger for mass protests in several American cities were two tragic cases in which U.S. citizens died during interventions by federal agents. Under heavy criticism and nationwide protests, Trump decided on a partial withdrawal of ICE agents from Minneapolis. The question arises whether this is an attempt to calm tensions or merely a pause before a new wave of deportations. On this occasion, Radoš Đurović, Director of the Asylum Protection Center, was a guest on Blic TV.

“We are seeing scenes since the beginning of the year in which ICE agents act almost like special units in a war. Anyone encountering this unit for the first time, when they saw footage of the first shootings and killings, asked themselves what is happening on the streets of America. Can you explain to those unfamiliar with the topic what ICE is and what we have actually been watching since the start of the year?”

Radoš Đurović agreed that we are witnessing an unusual situation and even an overstepping of ICE’s authority. He explained that ICE is the Immigration and Customs Enforcement service, mandated to implement decisions in the field of immigration, combat human smuggling and trafficking, and remove foreign nationals from the United States. However, the way these powers are currently being exercised in practice is inhumane, and it is highly questionable whether it is entirely lawful.

“The way ICE officers operate — often intercepting people on the street, taking them away in unmarked trucks or vans to immigration centers where they are later supposed to be deported — these are methods that deeply disturb the American public,” Đurović noted. This approach instills fear and sends the message that no one is completely safe. It is questionable whether such behavior on the streets is lawful, but it is certainly inhumane, and this is now being debated publicly.

“How much is Donald Trump actually rushing into all this, given the significant budget increase? A budget of $170 billion enabled the hiring of about 12,000 new agents. What is particularly problematic are the drastically lowered criteria for training and age. The age limit was reduced from 21 to 18, while training was shortened from 22 weeks to just 47 days. What are we talking about here? We have 18 year olds who train for only a month and a half to handle weapons, learn the rules, and are then sent onto the streets with ICE authority and insignia.”

Đurović emphasized that transparency is also a major problem. ICE uses civilian cars, sometimes wears civilian clothing with insignia over it. Arresting people on the streets, the way they treat citizens who protest or express concern that someone is endangered, entering schools and other facilities — all of this represents a disturbing practice currently being carried out. He explained that ICE is a federal service, operating above the jurisdiction of individual states, meaning the powers ICE agents have cannot be challenged by governors or states where these actions take place. What is legally possible, however, is for Congress to review their work, summon agents for hearings, and reconsider existing legislation. Yet such changes are difficult and slow to implement.

“How much will this politically cost Trump? Yesterday I heard that one in four Americans supports ICE. How do you interpret this politically?”

America has for many years implemented immigration policy in an organized and planned way, while now there is the impression that it is being used to demonstrate force and collect political points, with the situation partly slipping out of control. This has led to incidents, including two consecutive tragic cases in which U.S. citizens died — people who had not committed crimes and who were conscientious, respected citizens: a mother of three and a poet, as well as a young medical technician.

You can watch the full program at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMuJRquJIL4