Politicians and political observers alike sounded the alarm on Saturday at new video that purportedly shows federal immigration officers stepping in front of a car with guns drawn in an attempt to arrest a Minnesotan.
David J. Bier, Cato Institute Director of Immigration Studies, flagged the video over the weekend, writing, "DHS agents in MN swerved in front of an unarmed woman who was recording them, once again WALK IN FRONT OF A CAR with guns drawn."
He then added, "The only thing they've learned from Renee Good is how to get away with killing people. A local cop intervened to stop the illegal arrest!"
Bier concluded, "The police chief got her out of the DHS vehicle as the agents who grabbed her were driving her to the DHS jail. When told that they were acting illegally, one agent just says: 'I'm not getting into the legality of everything.'"
That video sparked outrage among insiders on social media.
Dem Congressman Ted Lieu wrote, "Dear @DHSgov: What was the basis for drawing guns on this American and for arresting her? Why did agents then later release her without charges?"
Politico alum Carla Marinucci called it, "Horrifying."
Even far-right legal commentator Ed Whelan asked DHS, "What did she do that warranted three officers pointing their guns at her?"
"Sincere question. There might be a good answer," he then added. "But absent one, this approach sure seems thuggish."
Columnist Michael A. Cohen chimed in with, "The level of unprofessionalism and needless escalation in this video is simply astonishing."
Forbes contributor Mark Joyella added, "Nothing about this even vaguely resembles law enforcement. This is roaming gangs of untrained thugs with marching orders to generate maximum fear."
Economist Tony Annett asked, "Why didn’t the local cop arrest the Gestapo thugs?"