0U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (via NARA and DVIDS Public Domain Archive)
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, was shot dead by a federal immigration agent in the US state of Minneapolis on 7 January 2026. This is just one of the many unjust actions committed by ICE, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, since Trump acquired office. The Trump Administration responded to this by labelling Renee Good a “domestic terrorist”. Notably, JD Vance stated that Good was “brainwashed,”, affiliated “broader, left-wing network.” The tragic murder of Renee Good demonstrates how polarised America is, to the extent that the death of a mother was linked to her political affiliation. Even when we look at the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Trump laid blame to the “radical left.” The core reason behind the right’s assignment of blame to the left and vice versa, of course, is to gain political points over each other, and to prove to the American people that there is an “attack” on democracy, with both Democrats and Republicans keen to further their own narratives. It’s why American politics and the language employed by American politicians is laced with hostility and an inability to be neutral; the last jab has to be thrown.
“American politics is no longer about representing the entirety of America.”
American politics is no longer about representing the entirety of America – really, it’s about trying to protect their own side against the “radical left” and “radical right”. The re-election of Trump and this basis solidifies this, as when he won the election he brought on a base of supporters whose loyalty to him mimics the relationship between a charismatic leader and his cult followings. These MAGA supporters are key to the polarisation of American politics, being constructed as victims of the radical left inflicted by Joe Biden during his presidencies. Other times, we see Trump using the same negative language directed at the democrats on his own supporters, calling them “stupid” and “weaklings” when their opinions don’t align with his, in this case insulting them in regards for their demands for the Epstein files to be released.
“Minority groups are growing increasingly concerned for their own safety.”
What we see occurring in the Trump administration are extreme policy reversals, designed to target and harm supporters of the left, in which minority groups are growing increasingly concerned for their own safety. This is what we are currently witnessing with the ICE raids – Psychologist Lisette Sanchez, describes the emotional toll of ICE on her “This is the first time I’ve been afraid that I am Latina.” A survey conducted by John Rogers and Joseph Kahne with the Democracy and Education Research Team found that a “climate of distress” was created among immigrant students due to the ICE raids.
“This is the first time I’ve been afraid that I am Latina,” says Psychologist Lisette Sanchez.
The truth of the matter is that Trump has constructed a polarised America which only seeks to benefit his own agenda. American politicians from opposing parties can barely be civil with one another, yet are still expected to negotiate and govern together. What were once ideological differences have turned into deep rivalries, with real consequences for the public. As political conflict intensifies, ordinary Americans bear the cost through targeted policies such as the ICE raids, leaving many to live in fear of a government that appears to work against them rather than for them.
Ria, Print Features Editor, is a second-year politics and international relations student who edits and writes articles with greater depth and length. Her interests are mainly politically centred, but she also enjoys writing articles about lifestyle and mental health.
The Human and Political Cost of Trump’s ICE Crackdown in America
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, was shot dead by a federal immigration agent in the US state of Minneapolis on 7 January 2026. This is just one of the many unjust actions committed by ICE, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, since Trump acquired office. The Trump Administration responded to this by labelling Renee Good a “domestic terrorist”. Notably, JD Vance stated that Good was “brainwashed,”, affiliated “broader, left-wing network.” The tragic murder of Renee Good demonstrates how polarised America is, to the extent that the death of a mother was linked to her political affiliation. Even when we look at the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Trump laid blame to the “radical left.” The core reason behind the right’s assignment of blame to the left and vice versa, of course, is to gain political points over each other, and to prove to the American people that there is an “attack” on democracy, with both Democrats and Republicans keen to further their own narratives. It’s why American politics and the language employed by American politicians is laced with hostility and an inability to be neutral; the last jab has to be thrown.
American politics is no longer about representing the entirety of America – really, it’s about trying to protect their own side against the “radical left” and “radical right”. The re-election of Trump and this basis solidifies this, as when he won the election he brought on a base of supporters whose loyalty to him mimics the relationship between a charismatic leader and his cult followings. These MAGA supporters are key to the polarisation of American politics, being constructed as victims of the radical left inflicted by Joe Biden during his presidencies. Other times, we see Trump using the same negative language directed at the democrats on his own supporters, calling them “stupid” and “weaklings” when their opinions don’t align with his, in this case insulting them in regards for their demands for the Epstein files to be released.
What we see occurring in the Trump administration are extreme policy reversals, designed to target and harm supporters of the left, in which minority groups are growing increasingly concerned for their own safety. This is what we are currently witnessing with the ICE raids – Psychologist Lisette Sanchez, describes the emotional toll of ICE on her “This is the first time I’ve been afraid that I am Latina.” A survey conducted by John Rogers and Joseph Kahne with the Democracy and Education Research Team found that a “climate of distress” was created among immigrant students due to the ICE raids.
The truth of the matter is that Trump has constructed a polarised America which only seeks to benefit his own agenda. American politicians from opposing parties can barely be civil with one another, yet are still expected to negotiate and govern together. What were once ideological differences have turned into deep rivalries, with real consequences for the public. As political conflict intensifies, ordinary Americans bear the cost through targeted policies such as the ICE raids, leaving many to live in fear of a government that appears to work against them rather than for them.
Ria Brown-Aryee
Ria, Print Features Editor, is a second-year politics and international relations student who edits and writes articles with greater depth and length. Her interests are mainly politically centred, but she also enjoys writing articles about lifestyle and mental health.
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