These Scary ICE Attacks On Black Folks Should Disturb America

From the mysterious disappearance of a Haitian man to a Black man accused of being Somali, these are just a few of the shocking interactions between Black people and ICE agents.

President Donald Trump’s immigration mandate has ripped the nation in half. On one side, many of Trump’s supporters say sending in ICE agents and the National Guard is the best solution to address the country’s immigrations issues. On the other hand, politicians, judges and activists have argued the president’s methods are inhumane and only cause more harm than good.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Biggie and Diddy’s Strange Friendship: Revisiting the Most Defining Moments

What no one could have predicted, however, is countless interactions between Black people and these government officials becoming so testy. From the mysterious disappearance of a Haitian man to Black American citizens being sent to ICE facilities, these are just a few of the shocking moments between Black citizens and migrants with ICE agents.

Black Man Arrested for ‘Looking’ Somali

A Black man in Minneapolis was wrongfully arrested by ICE agents because he looks Somali, according to CBS News. Mubashir, who is 20 years old, was on his lunch break when a masked man– who was later confirmed to be ICE– tackled and pushed him. Mubashir told the agents he was an American citizen and offered to show his passport, but was ignored.

Teen Detained at Walgreens

https://www.tiktok.com/@aura23989/video/7561142611373870349

A 19-year-old Black teen named Warren King was shopping at a Walgreens in Chicago when multiple ICE agents rushed into the store, we previously told you. King didn’t know this at the time, but before the officers arrived, they’d been part of an operation targeting two alleged undocumented migrants. The migrants fled on foot after a car crash, and consequently, the agents pulled up to the Walgreens hoping to locate them.

Instead, they found the Black teen and immediately slammed him to the floor. His relative began filming King being detained. In the video, she can be heard shouting “He’s a citizen! He’s a citizen!” to the officer. King was eventually let go, but he told ABC News he was left traumatized.

Black Woman Confront ICE Agents in NYC

Video has now gone viral of one Black woman confronting several ICE agents after a member of her family was detained. The confrontation happened as she and others were leaving the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City, the New York Post reported. Masked ICE agents in the area continued to agitate the woman, although many officers tried to deescalate the situation and escort the woman out the building. “Put that on the news! Let Trump see it,” she told the officers.

Black Man Missing

TOPSHOT – A person is detained as residents of Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood confront US Border Patrol and other law enforcement agents at a gas station after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly detained an unidentified man riding in his car, in Chicago, Illinois, on October 4, 2025. US President Donald Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to deport large numbers of migrants, has encouraged authorities to be more aggressive as he seeks to hit his widely reported target of one million deportations annually. (Photo by OCTAVIO JONES / AFP) (Photo by OCTAVIO JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

Rony Dieujuste has been missing since the beginning of 2025 when his partner, Kléya Rice, said he was detained by ICE during a DUI arrest, Capital B News reported. Dieujuste is an Haitian immigrant, who’s previous protected status was tossed under the Trump administration. Rice said she was finally able to speak with him over the phone, but by then, was already on a flight to another ICE detention facility in Texas back in June.

Black Man Shares His Experience With ICE

A Black man in Chicago recalled his experience with ICE to journalist Don Lemon. According to him, ICE knocked on his door and placed him in zip ties. He was thrown in the back of a Budget rental truck with at least 40 others– all of whom were ICE detainees. Everyone was driven to a local ICE facility but given little information. “I was told to shut up and just follow instructions,” the unnamed man said.

According to him, the living conditions inside the facility were worse than Cook County Jail. The man was released eight hours later, as he is a U.S. citizen. “I think the whole thing is crazy,” the Chicago man said. “I think things are gonna get worse before they get better.”

Black Teacher Arrested in Iowa

Screenshot from YouTube

The Des Moines, Iowa community was shaken to its core when a superintendent, Dr. Ian Roberts, was arrested in September. Immediately following his ICE arrest, many in Roberts’ community protested in his honor. But in the aftermath of the chaos, police released evidence detailing Roberts’ criminal history.

We previously told you, the Guyanese-born man came to the states in the ’90s but overstayed his visa. He transitioned into the world of education and became a teacher in several school districts around the country, although many of his previous co-workers called him a “fraud.” Police said he lied about his citizenship status, college degrees and education.

Black Man Deported to Jamaica

A protester from behind with a Haitian flag as a scarf in Paris in France May 3, 2025. A demonstration by the Haitian community in Paris was organized between Place de la Republique and Place de la Nation to demand peace in Haiti. (Photo by Daniel Perron / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by DANIEL PERRON/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

Jermaine Thomas was born on a U.S. military base in Germany while his Jamaican father served in the U.S. Army. This summer, he made national news when ICE moved to arrest and deport him, CNN reported. It’s unclear when Thomas was first ordered to leave the country, but according to court records, a case from 2015 showed the U.S. Department of Justice argued he was not a citizen simply because he was born on an Army base.

Harlem Man Arrested

For five decades, New York City resident Robert Panton lived in Harlem. He’s a community leader and a green card holder, but earlier this year, he was ordered to leave the country, Immigrant Justice reported. His deportation order was based on a criminal conviction from over 30 years ago, and in response, the National Immigrant Justice Center filed a stay of removal and a habeas corpus petition to stop his deportation.

Southeast Neighborhood Antagonized

Southeast D.C. has the highest population of Black residents in the District, according to census reports. But during the first days of the Trump takeover, officers flooded multiple neighborhoods, “searching for crime.” In this case, at least nine agents are confronted by a group of Black men all recording their interaction. One unidentified man can be seen running off, prompting multiple officers to chase him.

Khaby Lame Leaves America

Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Khaby Lame attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Influencer Khaby Lame is the most followed person on TikTok. But with all of that attention on the Senegalese-Italian man also came attention from MAGA. We told you all about how conservative commentator Bo Loudon claimed he personally reported Lame to ICE after his visa expired in April. Lame was detained at a Nevada airport and later given an ultimatum: either leave the U.S. voluntarily or be deported by ICE. Lame soon left the country.

Ohio Community Rallies Behind Black Man

Marc Rocher (center) pictured with two adopted Haitian teens. Rocher is currently at risk of deportation after President Donald Trump ended Temporary Protected Status for 500,000 Haitian migrants, effective Sept. 2. (Screenshot from Facebook).

After coming to the states from Haiti in 2023, Marc Rocher settled in the small community of Lima, Ohio. He fled his home country after witnessing the gruesome kidnapping of a friend, we told you. Rocher enrolled in a humanitarian parole program and was brought to America legally… But then President Trump cancelled protected status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants, ordering them to leave immediately. The story of Rocher, now a teacher and tutor, inspired the Lima community to petition to let him stay in the states.

Black Men Harassed Over a Cigarette

On the very first day of Trump’s D.C. takeover, a group of federal agents approached a group of Black men sitting outside their home. “Y’all staying out of trouble,” the lead officer asks the group before pointing to one man and asking him “You got your ID on you?” The officers went on the ask the men several questions and tell them smoking marijuana in public is illegal. The lead cop had reportedly mistaken the Black man’s cigarette for a joint, which prompted the interaction. “We’re doing checks, keeping everybody safe down here,” he said.

Black Woman Stopped by 8 Agents

In this short clip, a witness captured eight officers approaching a woman in the driver’s seat of her car in what looks like a simple traffic stop. One TikTok user, @FaitheyzNaiileyz, said “I thought this was about the homeless and criminals. Last i checked they don’t drive home from work all together.”

Federal ‘Mob’ Allegedly Goes After Black Boy

@theaction.jackson

Trump’s federal police takeover has begun in my neighborhood of Anacostia already. Flooding military and federal police into underserved communities, while cutting funds for PUBLIC safety, Medicaid, housing, labor and violence prevention funding is NOT how we make our communities safer. You can’t reduce violence by loosening regulations for gun dealers, gun traffickers and then turnaround and promote gun companies… Defunding and militarizing community is not the way to a safer America. #ward8 #trump #endgunviolence #crime #kamalaharris #dc #southeast

♬ original sound – Action Jackson

As TikToker @theaction.jackson was driving in his neighborhood of Anacostia, he reportedly spotted a group of federal officers, which he referred to as a “mob,” allegedly hounding a young Black boy. In the video, the TikToker said the officers were “laughing and joking as they harassed one young man. None of these guys are from our community,” he continued.


Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Some of the Best Places Around the Country to Learn About Black History All Year Long

Some of the Best Places Around the Country to Learn About Black History All Year Long

This Black History Month, these museums and exhibits dedicated to Black history and culture should be on your to-do list …
2026 BHM: Secret Black Systems That Kept Us Alive (And Still Do)

2026 BHM: Secret Black Systems That Kept Us Alive (And Still Do)

From mutual aid societies to churches and colonies, Black communities have built lifelines when the American system refused to provide …
Lil Wayne Whines About Grammy Snub, Fans Drag Him Mercilessly

Lil Wayne Whines About Grammy Snub, Fans Drag Him Mercilessly

As Lil Wayne vents over the Grammys snubbing “Tha Carter VI,” fans dragged the rap icon’s salty attitude, urging him to “wake up” to the industry’s pattern of overlooking him …
Why Young Money Records Had the Biggest Fall-Off in Hip-Hop History

Why Young Money Records Had the Biggest Fall-Off in Hip-Hop History

Ten years ago, no one could have predicted Young Money Records would have a downfall like this …
Black Mom Telling Parents to Not Go Broke Trying to Make Their Kids Happy Sparks TikTok Debate

Black Mom Telling Parents to Not Go Broke Trying to Make Their Kids Happy Sparks TikTok Debate

One Black social media mom is giving parents a reality check about the dangers of trying to give their kids more than they can afford …
The Wild TikTok Theory About Teyana Taylor’s Meteoric Rise—and the Sudden Fade of Exes Iman Shumpert and Aaron Pierre

The Wild TikTok Theory About Teyana Taylor’s Meteoric Rise—and the Sudden Fade of Exes Iman Shumpert and Aaron Pierre

TikTok has theorized how Teyana Taylor is suddenly Hollywood’s “It” girl, while her exes Iman Shumpert and Aaron Pierre has seemingly disappeared …
Brandon Scott Shuts Down Reporter After Questions About His Pricey Executive SUV

Brandon Scott Shuts Down Reporter After Questions About His Pricey Executive SUV

For months, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has been facing heat over the purchase of an executive vehicle worth over $160,000 …
Jamal Bryant Responds After White Pastor Disrupts His Church Service

Jamal Bryant Responds After White Pastor Disrupts His Church Service

Pastor Jamal Bryant is fighting back after a white evangelical pastor decided to disrupt his church service. And now he’s calling for some sort of repercussions! …
Detroit Judge Allegedly Embezzles $300K From the City's Poor -- Here's What She Bought With It, Feds Say

Detroit Judge Allegedly Embezzles $300K From the City’s Poor — Here’s What She Bought With It, Feds Say

Detroit judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin is accused of embezzling thousands from wards of the state to fund a bar and her car lease…but that’s not all …
EXCLUSIVE: 'Relationship Goals' Stars Kelly Rowland, Method Man Talk New Film, Give Priceless Dating Advice

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Relationship Goals’ Stars Kelly Rowland, Method Man Talk New Film, Give Priceless Dating Advice

Music stars Kelly Rowland and Cliff “Method Man” Smith sat down with The Root to chat their spicy and teachable romcom, ‘Relationship Goals.’ …
Trump Wants to 'Nationalize' Elections Before Midterms, Here's Why You Should Worry

Trump Wants to ‘Nationalize’ Elections Before Midterms, Here’s Why You Should Worry

After the Jan. 6 Insurrection and talks of running for a third term, President Trump has a dangerous suggestion to help win Republican votes this election …
You Won't <i>Believe</i> How Long it Took Colman Domingo to Become Joe Jackson for New 'Michael' Biopic!

You Won’t Believe How Long it Took Colman Domingo to Become Joe Jackson for New ‘Michael’ Biopic!

Actor Colman Domingo just shared what went into his amazing transformation to becoming Jackson family patriarch Joseph …
The Chilling Sentence Just Handed Down to Calif. Couple Who Decapitated Their Two Kids and Made Siblings View Their Remains

The Chilling Sentence Just Handed Down to Calif. Couple Who Decapitated Their Two Kids and Made Siblings View Their Remains

A California couple who beheaded their two kids and made their starving younger siblings view their remains just learned their fate …
Kirk Franklin Calls Out the Church's Silence Over ICE, Makes Surprising Claim About Jesus

Kirk Franklin Calls Out the Church’s Silence Over ICE, Makes Surprising Claim About Jesus

Gospel singer Kirk Franklin is getting frank about the lack of the church’s involvement when it comes to pressing issues like ICE …
Project 2025 Creators are Ready to Control Your Marriage and Childbirth -- and It's Scary

Project 2025 Creators are Ready to Control Your Marriage and Childbirth — and It’s Scary

The Heritage Foundation– the far-right Christian organization– plans to roll out new policies encouraging Americans to have more babies… and soon! …
After Bernice King Chimes in, Shaboozey Finally Breaks Silence on 'Immigrants Built America' Controversy

After Bernice King Chimes in, Shaboozey Finally Breaks Silence on ‘Immigrants Built America’ Controversy

After Shaboozey’s Grammy speech caused a stir online about Black Americans and immigrants, Dr. Bernice King has responded …
The Internet Is Hot Over Kim Burrell's R.Kelly, Diddy Comments

The Internet Is Hot Over Kim Burrell’s R.Kelly, Diddy Comments

Gospel legend Kim Burrell has spoken out about disgraced music icons R. Kelly and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. But what she has to say isn’t going over too well with folks! …
NFL Star Russell Wilson Shuts Down Rumors After His Name Appears in Epstein Files

NFL Star Russell Wilson Shuts Down Rumors After His Name Appears in Epstein Files

Russell Wilson responds after being name-dropped in the Epstein files …
You'll Be Shocked at How Much These Black TV Actors <i>Really</i> Get Paid...

You’ll Be Shocked at How Much These Black TV Actors Really Get Paid…

Black actors have notoriously gotten underpaid and now Melvin Gregg and Danielle Brooks are pulling back the layers on how little they earned when first starting off! …
Why Some Wendy Williams Fans are Shading Sherri Shepherd Over Her Show Cancelation

Why Some Wendy Williams Fans are Shading Sherri Shepherd Over Her Show Cancelation

Fans of talk show host Wendy Williams are not being shy about how they feel about the news that Sherri Shepherd’s show has been cancelled …