Fact check: Can Ice agents detain you if you have a US passport

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, ICE agents can indeed detain individuals who possess US passports under specific circumstances. The evidence shows that US citizenship and possession of a US passport do not provide absolute protection from ICE detention.

Key findings include:

• ICE has legal authority to detain US citizens when they witness an offense against the United States or a felony offense, though their powers are primarily regulated to immigration matters ^[1]
• Real cases demonstrate this authority in practice - a US-born American citizen was detained at ICE's request despite providing a US birth certificate ^[2], and Andrea Velez, a US citizen, was wrongfully detained and charged with obstructing an ICE officer ^[3]
• Detention can occur under various circumstances including when citizens resemble someone agents are looking for, are suspected of a crime, or are accused of obstructing officers ^{[1] [3]}
• ICE's enforcement has expanded significantly, with the agency holding a record 59,000 immigrant detainees, and their aggressive tactics may lead to citizen detention ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context:

• The Department of Homeland Security disputes some narratives about ICE targeting US citizens and denies claims of racial profiling, suggesting that agents follow due diligence and target specific individuals ^[5]
• There are concerns about racial profiling and wrongful detention of US citizens, with some cases highlighting potential civil rights violations ^[1]
• Legal challenges exist - the ACLU has been involved in lawsuits over false claims regarding ICE deportation of US citizens, though some of these cases have been dropped ^[6]
• The distinction between detention and deportation is important - while ICE can detain US citizens, the evidence suggests they do not typically deport them

Organizations that benefit from different narratives:

• Immigration advocacy groups and civil rights organizations benefit from highlighting cases of wrongful detention to support their cause
• ICE and DHS benefit from emphasizing their adherence to proper procedures and denying systematic targeting of citizens
• Political groups on both sides benefit from either emphasizing citizen safety concerns or law enforcement effectiveness

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is not inherently biased, but it lacks important nuance about the circumstances under which detention can occur. The question implies a simple yes/no answer when the reality is more complex.

Missing critical context includes:

• The legal framework that allows ICE to detain citizens under specific circumstances ^[1]
• The difference between routine immigration enforcement and criminal law enforcement powers
• The documented cases of both wrongful detention and legitimate law enforcement actions ^{[2] [3]}
• The ongoing legal and political debates surrounding ICE's authority and practices

The question would be more accurate if it acknowledged that detention authority exists but is limited to specific legal circumstances, rather than suggesting it's a blanket prohibition or permission.