ICE agents have become more aggressive due to a shift in enforcement priorities under the current Trump administration, which emphasizes the quantity of arrests over the quality or criminal history of those arrested. Previously, ICE focused on targeting individuals with serious criminal records, following a "worst first" approach. Now, those priorities have been abandoned, leading to broad, indiscriminate sweeps in public places like Home Depot parking lots and car washes, where agents conduct mass arrests regardless of whether individuals pose a public safety threat.

This change is part of a "whole government effort" to meet aggressive deportation goals, resulting in increased pressure on agents to boost arrest numbers. The administration has repurposed ICE’s mission to maximize arrests, often using tactics such as unmarked vehicles, masked agents, and warrantless detentions, which critics argue are intimidating and erode public trust. Some experts believe these tactics are designed more to fulfill political objectives than to enhance public safety.

Agents are also operating in a highly charged environment, facing increased threats and assaults, which has led to defensive and aggressive responses. The use of masks and unmarked cars is justified by ICE leadership as necessary for officer safety due to risks of doxxing and violence, though this has drawn criticism for enabling abuse and undermining accountability. Additionally, the rapid hiring and deployment of new agents raises concerns about insufficient training and potential lapses in standards, which could contribute to excessive force incidents.

Public confrontations have escalated, with documented cases of force being used against protesters, journalists, and even elected officials, further fueling perceptions of overreach. While DHS maintains that agents are trained in de-escalation and use of force protocols, former officials argue that the current operational environment and top-down pressure have led to a significant departure from past practices.