THE PROBLEM WITH ICEHow the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks Shaped ICE’s Immigration Strategy Published 14 February 2026 The immigration enforcement response to 9/11 set the stage for ICE’s aggressive conduct. Under this way of thinking, if the homeland is under threat, then those who challenge immigration enforcement are “domestic terrorists.” Investigations into ICE officers are muted, for the officers are protecting the homeland against existential danger.