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Erica de Bruin

Erica de Bruin

Talking Points Memo

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Only 4 democracies have created paramilitary police squads since 1960—if you include ICE

Nigeria, Honduras and Brazil are now joined by the U.S., with ICE meeting many or all of the definitions of paramilitary police.

30.01.2026 3

Fortune

Erica de Bruin

ICE not only looks and acts like a paramilitary force – it is one, and that makes it harder to curb

ICE, created in response to 9/11, meets most definitions of paramilitary forces. Critics worry it’s gone beyond its writ of immigration enforcement.

29.01.2026 10

The Conversation

Erica de Bruin

Ice Not Only Looks and Acts Like a Paramilitary Force—It Is One, and That Makes It Harder To Curb

29.01.2026 9

Talking Points Memo

Erica de Bruin