Former director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, John Sandweg, highlighted the importance of maintaining secrecy during immigration operations until they are completed. Sandweg emphasized that keeping operations under wraps is crucial for officer safety, especially when targeting individuals with potential ties to public safety. By avoiding public attention, law enforcement can prevent suspects from preparing to harm officers or fleeing the scene.
Sandweg explained that publicizing immigration operations can lead to decreased effectiveness over time. As word spreads about the targets of the operation, individuals within the criminal justice system tend to evade capture, making it challenging for authorities to locate and apprehend them.
Despite the operational drawbacks of publicizing such activities, Sandweg acknowledged the political motivations behind the current administration's decision to bring attention to the immigration sweeps. He noted that while the publicity may serve political interests, it could compromise the success of the operation from an operational standpoint.
Notably, agencies assisting US immigration officials in the enforcement actions have instructed their personnel to wear clothing that clearly identifies their respective agencies. This precaution aims to ensure that officers are easily recognizable in case they are filmed by journalists during the operations.
