Increased Use of Chemical Weapons by Federal Agents Under Trump Administration

In July 2024, George Retes, a U.S. Army veteran, reported being pepper-sprayed and physically restrained by federal agents during an immigration raid at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, California. Retes described the incident as traumatic, stating, "I was trapped in my car with tear gas even before they sprayed me." He was arrested but released without charges. This incident is part of a broader pattern of reported excessive force by federal agents amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.

Newsweek

The Trump administration has significantly increased spending on chemical weapons for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Federal procurement data indicates that over $5 million has been allocated for chemical weapons since Trump took office in January 2025, nearly matching the total spent by former President Joe Biden during his entire administration. This spending includes contracts for pepper spray and other less lethal munitions, raising concerns about the implications for civil liberties and public safety.

Newsweek

Federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have conducted numerous high-profile immigration enforcement actions. For instance, during protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles, at least 44 individuals were arrested, and federal agents reportedly used pepper spray and tear gas against demonstrators. In Chicago, Operation Midway Blitz resulted in over 3,000 migrant arrests, with federal agents employing similar crowd-control measures against protesters.

Newsweek

Critics, including advocacy groups and legal experts, have expressed alarm over the use of chemical weapons in crowd control, arguing that it represents an overreach of power. Kevin Short from Physicians for Human Rights stated, "The reported increase in spending on crowd-control weapons raises the threat of health harms for protesters and other people at demonstrations." Faisal Al-Juburi from the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) echoed these concerns, emphasizing the erosion of civil liberties under the current administration.

Newsweek

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the spending, asserting that the acquisition of non-lethal resources is standard practice for law enforcement, especially in light of a reported 1,150 percent increase in assaults against ICE officers. She questioned the media's focus on this issue, suggesting that the safety of law enforcement personnel should also be considered.

Newsweek

• “No one deserves to be treated the way they treat people,” — George Retes, U.S. Army Veteran

Newsweek

• “Such egregious spending on weaponry that inflicts harm indiscriminately should concern all Americans, regardless of status.” — Faisal Al-Juburi, RAICES

Newsweek

The Trump administration's increased spending on chemical weapons and the reported use of these weapons during immigration enforcement actions have sparked significant debate about civil liberties and the appropriate use of federal power. As incidents of alleged excessive force continue to surface, the implications for public safety and community relations remain a critical concern.

Newsweek