ICE Faces Backlash Over Viral Video of Protester on Trolley

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is under fire after posting a controversial video showing agents transporting a protester on a flatbed trolley in Portland, Oregon. The video, shared on October 5, 2025, quickly gained over 12 million views on the platform X (formerly Twitter) and included the caption: “Refuse to walk? We’ll give you a ride.” This has led to widespread accusations of the agency engaging in what critics describe as “rage baiting,” deliberately provoking public anger.

The video captures a person in a black hoodie lying face down on a metal trolley, hands restrained behind their back, as ICE agents wheel them away. The footage was set to Chamillionaire’s 2006 hit “Ridin’,” a song that references evading law enforcement. The timing of the post coincided with heightened political tensions in the U.S., particularly as President Donald Trump sought to deploy National Guard troops to assist ICE operations in Portland, despite a federal court ruling against such actions.

Political Context and Legal Challenges

On the same day as the video’s release, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut issued a ruling blocking Trump’s decision, declaring it a violation of state autonomy. Reports indicated that prior to the ruling, around 200 California National Guard members had been reassigned to Portland to support ICE and other federal agencies. Both Oregon and California officials filed emergency restraining orders against this deployment.

Critics argue that the timing of ICE’s video was no coincidence, linking it to a broader strategy by Trump-aligned federal agencies to assert authority amid growing public resistance and legal challenges. The video sparked a mix of reactions on social media, with some users finding humor in the situation while others criticized the agency’s professionalism.

Public Reaction and Agency Response

By Sunday evening, the post had drawn tens of thousands of reactions. While some users expressed amusement, with comments praising the agency’s approach as “creative” and “smart policing,” others viewed the caption as demeaning. The phrase “Refuse to walk? We’ll give you a ride” was met with backlash, particularly as public trust in ICE remains tenuous.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, defended ICE’s actions, stating, “This is exactly what happens when sanctuary politicians demonize ICE and encourage illegal aliens to resist law enforcement.” Despite this defense, many continued to question the agency’s judgment, arguing it blurred the lines between operational transparency and mockery.

Critics have highlighted that the video appears to incite anger at a time when tensions surrounding immigration enforcement are particularly high. The ongoing debate reflects a broader discourse on the role of ICE and its accountability in handling protests and dissent.

As the controversy unfolds, ICE has not publicly addressed questions regarding the protester’s identity or the charges associated with their arrest. This silence leaves many wondering about the agency’s intentions and the implications of its social media strategy.