this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2025

171 points (85.2% liked)

politics

26226 readers

6593 users here now

Welcome to the discussion of US Politics!

Rules:

Post only links to articles, Title must fairly describe link contents. If your title differs from the site’s, it should only be to add context or be more descriptive. Do not post entire articles in the body or in the comments.

Links must be to the original source, not an aggregator like Google Amp, MSN, or Yahoo.

Example:

Articles must be relevant to politics. Links must be to quality and original content. Articles should be worth reading. Clickbait, stub articles, and rehosted or stolen content are not allowed. Check your source for Reliability and Bias here.
Be civil, No violations of TOS. It’s OK to say the subject of an article is behaving like a (pejorative, pejorative). It’s NOT OK to say another USER is (pejorative). Strong language is fine, just not directed at other members. Engage in good-faith and with respect! This includes accusing another user of being a bot or paid actor. Trolling is uncivil and is grounds for removal and/or a community ban.
No memes, trolling, or low-effort comments. Reposts, misinformation, off-topic, trolling, or offensive. Similarly, if you see posts along these lines, do not engage. Report them, block them, and live a happier life than they do. We see too many slapfights that boil down to "Mom! He's bugging me!" and "I'm not touching you!" Going forward, slapfights will result in removed comments and temp bans to cool off.
Vote based on comment quality, not agreement. This community aims to foster discussion; please reward people for putting effort into articulating their viewpoint, even if you disagree with it.
No hate speech, slurs, celebrating death, advocating violence, or abusive language. This will result in a ban. Usernames containing racist, or inappropriate slurs will be banned without warning

We ask that the users report any comment or post that violate the rules, to use critical thinking when reading, posting or commenting. Users that post off-topic spam, advocate violence, have multiple comments or posts removed, weaponize reports or violate the code of conduct will be banned.

All posts and comments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This means that some content that violates the rules may be allowed, while other content that does not violate the rules may be removed. The moderators retain the right to remove any content and ban users.

That's all the rules!

Civic Links

• Register To Vote

• Citizenship Resource Center

• Congressional Awards Program

• Federal Government Agencies

• Library of Congress Legislative Resources

• The White House

• U.S. House of Representatives

• U.S. Senate

Partnered Communities:

• News

• World News

• Business News

• Political Discussion

• Ask Politics

• Military News

• Global Politics

• Moderate Politics

• Progressive Politics

• UK Politics

• Canadian Politics

• Australian Politics

• New Zealand Politics

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

outrageousmatter@lemmy.world

aidan@lemmy.world

jordanlund@lemmy.world

little_cow@lemmy.world

Theonetheycall1845@lemmy.world

JuBe@lemmy.world

Lasherz12@lemmy.world

171

ICE Is Stockpiling Warheads and Chemical Weapons (www.thedailybeast.com)

submitted 1 week ago by DarkCloud@lemmy.world to c/politics@lemmy.world

38 comments fedilink hide all child comments

top 38 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] assaultpotato@sh.itjust.works 93 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (4 children)

The only source cited is a blog which cites a blog + raw acquisition numbers from government data, none of which contain ANY reference to "guided missiles" or "artillery" as the original substack claims.

As best I can tell, this claim was just kind of made up, then referenced by a blog, and now by the daily beast. We're like 3 days out from NYT writing this and referencing this daily beast article.

Fuck this administration for all the illegal and inhuman shit they're doing, but I'm almost certain this is just made up. They definitely have spent a shitload of money on weapons and equipment (bad) but theres no proof they've bought explosives and chemical weapons (beyond pepper spray)

[–] Triumph@fedia.io 24 points 1 week ago

Thank you for a healthy level of skepticism.

[–] ThePantser@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Almost like it's rage bait by the admin to get angry mobs going.

[–] kingofras@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

This guy controlled opposition

[–] Ancalagon@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Yeah uh we bought weapons. We didn't buy THOSE kind of weapons, but definitely did buy, a shit tonne of weapons. For immigrants 😁

[+] DarkCloud@lemmy.world -7 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Oh yeah, wouldn't want people mistakenly thinking ICE has a massive weapons budget now. You know what they say, when you've been defeated in a propaganda war, keep debunking bad things about the Gestapo.

Plus the article is mistakenly calling flashbangs warheads and correctly calling tear gas a chemical weapon. Good thing the left has "scientific leftists" like you to stand up for ICE's image... Wouldn't want propaganda against ICE on here. The "scientific left" must defend ICE's image against such propaganda news.

... it's not like ICE have a bigger weapons budget and would have a shitload of flash bangs and tear gas now. But yeah, thans for your correction on terms.

Now people won't see it as much of a problem. Good job from "the left" as usual.

[–] assaultpotato@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

? The articles HEADLINE says "warheads" and the body says "guided missiles", and then cites a source saying "guided missiles" and "artillery". I'm not just disambiguating minutiae, there's a huge difference between buying a flashbang and a fucking guided missile system.

Misinformation is cool as long as it's "our guys" making shit up?

We have so many real things to go after the gestapo for, INLCUDING spending $72 mill on guns and shit, but you're right, we should say they bought tanks and F35s as well. It'll really get this ball rolling.

I wasn't even accusing you of doing anything, but hey, attack me personally to make your point. Makes you look really smart and reliable. No wonder your country is fucked.

[–] caboose2006@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago (2 children)

It's like I say when people just make stuff up to hate on the US, there's plenty of legitimate reasons to hate on the US. Making up reasons completely delegitimizes your argument and makes it much easier for the opposition to point to the made up thing and say "see, they made THIS up, they must have made it ALL up."

[–] assaultpotato@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

What's worse is I fucking called it, now The Independent is repeating this BS (although the rest of the article is much better at focusing on all the horrendous shit ICE actually is doing, and the guided missiles lie is a single sentence basically), here is the article.

While the majority of the money has been spent on guns and armor for field agents, the outlay has also seen ICE purchase “guided missile warheads and explosive components,” according to Popular Information.

There we go, tracked this particular disinformation live. Next step is a major US outlet like NYT repeating the same "Popular Information states ____". Journalism used to mean actually doing something just just copy/pasting from random blogs online. I doubt they've even pulled the data from the government portal themselves. /sigh

Here's the REAL story, after the made up stuff:

ICE has also attracted a deluge of unwanted headlines for the administration, including the recent revelation that it has arrested at least 20 children who are American citizens this year, two of whom had cancer.

Reports of operations involving armed agents “traumatizing” mothers and children and firing pepper balls at a priest attending a demonstration have not helped their publicity drive.

“What we’re seeing is a general escalation of violence and the use of excessive force by ICE officers,” Ed Yohnka of ACLU Illinois told NPR recently.

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world 0 points 1 week ago (1 children)

That'll be the independent article I just posted. Because you can do both propaganda and the truth, there's just rules for how to do so.

You find those rules by dabbling in both.

[–] assaultpotato@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

A bigger outlet repeating the same false claim with the same citation doesn't make it more true. Or are you saying you know the claim is made up and its worth posting anyways as propaganda?

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world -1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Are you asking whether I've personally audited all the weapons caches ICE might conceivably have access to?

I don't even know if you have a face.

[–] assaultpotato@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I'm asking if you're aware of the fact that the articles you're posting have no basis in fact. ICE has proven 72 million on equipment, an astonishingly large number. There is absolutely no data or anything at all to lead anyone to believe they've purchased "warheads" "guided missiles" or "artillery" as the articles you're posting claim.

Is this disconnect intentional?

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world -1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

Where's your cape? Or maybe you'd prefer a red robe like the Spanish Inquisition.

"Arguing with strangers on the Internet! That'll improve the world!"

Superhero movies are for douche bags.

[–] assaultpotato@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Ok.

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world -1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Even just this conversation is something of a proof. You kept hitting me with that "proof" that ICE's funding is being raised as if would "convince" me of something. You know, being a good debunker trying to realign your "opponents" viewpoint. Correct their values... Where as I wasn't putting half as much effort into my approach.

Just writing my pro-propaganda poerty. Because poetry, art, humor, propaganda is an art form. Science, logic, rationality, skepticism, debunking - they're a science, it's more effort. Take more work. The mindset is more draining. It's subject to more burnout and isolation.

It's a case study. Meanwhile the upvotes for this post don't go away. Nor do the people who didn't see your correction, who just saw the headline and continued on their way (which I suspect is most reddit/lemmy style users, they're doom scrolling).

Now apply this to a whole system of posting accross platforms like the alt-right does ...and a little debunking can't really make a dent in the overall effect.

It's a tool the left can't afford to avoid. It's best seen and done as an art, as comedy, with humour, gloss, and pizazz, like Trump does it. That's what works. Everything's a commercial. An elevator pitch.

I've been a debunker. It only works in a rational society, and only untill the forces of irrationality emmerge again out of emotional need. Propaganda deals with the emotions because people aren't rational.

It's a case study.

[–] Darkcoffee@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago

Happy for you/sorry that happened.

[–] Darkcoffee@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Someone's big mad

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

Sounds like too much work.

[–] Darkcoffee@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

I mean if you spent 2 minutes looking it up you wouldn't be arguing with people about your blind belief of an article you found online.

https://www.wired.com/story/no-ice-probably-didnt-buy-guided-missile-warheads/

No fully reputable source has reported on it either, so I assume there is some journalistic integrity left.

[–] caboose2006@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

That was my point. Why make bad stuff up about ice when what they're doing is bad enough?

[–] Darkcoffee@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago

I meant to reply to the contrarian that keeps using ad hominem and non sequitur, pardon me if you got caught in the crossfire.

[–] DarkCloud@lemmy.world 0 points 1 week ago

Trump is in power again BECAUSE of learning how to use propaganda.

You can keep that tool off the table, but that honourable move has a cost attached.

[–] SarcasticMan@lemmy.world 18 points 1 week ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

CS gas is a bitch and 3/4. It sticks to everything. OC isn't much better. You can be prepared for both with some common sense and gear. 3M makes an Organic Vapor P100 cartridge that will work in a pinch. (3M 60921) You are going to feel it though. If you are using a half-face respirator you need sealed goggles but it's still going to burn your skin. You WILL be exposed. It fucking sticks to everything so don't just jump in a car and drive away or everyone in the car will be snot monsters from mucus world looking like a bukkake film finale. Water, baby shampoo, saline eye wash, and waterproof bags. Best to wear an easily removable outer shell of rainproof material if you think you will be exposed and have some heavy mill nitrile gloves. Remove the shell and place it in the bag and seal it after exposure. Don't take the mask off even if it's filling up with snot and spit until you are clear and for fucks sake dont touch the people who come to help you especially if they are not in protective gear. CS sticks to everything, OC is made to stick to everything, and often has UV dye in it.

Good luck, dont panic you won't die...yet.

Edit: I mentioned the 3M 60921 filters specifically because they are both P100 and OV/AG rated. It has to be all 3 or you will have a bad day. And as stated in the post below, dont open the package until you intend to use them. Sealed, they have a 5-year shelf life from the manufactured date but only 6 months after they are opened.

Edit 2: Did I mention CS sticks to everything?

[–] Machinist@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

This is great info! I use the plain jane P100 instead of dust masks all the time.

General respirator info for all my peeps:

3M 6000 half face and 7000 full face series reapirators are where it's at. They're worth the money even if you only ever use it for home repair.

I use one of them with the P100 disks all the time for dust, mold, grinding, drilling into possible asbestos, etc. Also effective against droplet born disease such as coronavirus. The organic vapor cartridge above also does particulate as a P100 (the organic vapor portion has a limited lifespan once opened, IIRC, but the filtration is indefinite). P100 particulate filtering lasts a long time, however, before they clog. Years with normal homeowner use.

Read up on sizing. Most average cis male sized heads will be a large. Average cis female sized head is medium.

If using a half face in an infectious or chemical environment, swim googles will protect your eyes.

[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 17 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

Flashbangs are considered warheads? 🤨

From the title, I was thinking nukes.

[–] RampantParanoia2365@lemmy.world 9 points 1 week ago

....the article mentions guided missiles. That is an actual warhead. I saw nothing about flashbangs.

[–] faythofdragons@slrpnk.net 6 points 1 week ago

Yeah, "warhead" just means it's the armed portion of a device. It's a pretty broad umbrella category with multiple sub-classifications that cover everything from CS gas grenades, to flashbangs, to nukes.

[–] dhork@lemmy.world 14 points 1 week ago (4 children)

Would deploying chemical weapons in US cities be enough to finally get Republicans to rein this shit in? Or will they cheer it on?

[–] Someonelol@lemmy.dbzer0.com 28 points 1 week ago (1 children)

You mean like tear gas? The thing banned for warfare by the Geneva Convention but ordinary police routinely use on the average citizen?

[–] Mortoc@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

During the CHAZ protests in Seattle, the cops laid down so much teargas that an infant in my apartment building was hospitalized.

The bastards aren’t even trained on how to use their shit properly.

[–] Tujio@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

Every woman I know in Seattle had an irregular period that month. Even people who weren't within ten miles of the protests.

[–] ceiphas@feddit.org 20 points 1 week ago

Look what you made me do!!!

[–] Kirp123@lemmy.world 16 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Would deploying chemical weapons in US cities be enough to finally get Republicans to rein this shit in?

Lol, no.

[–] Assassassin@lemmy.dbzer0.com 13 points 1 week ago

"why did antifa do this?"

[–] Formfiller@lemmy.world 11 points 1 week ago

Because they are the Gestapo.

[–] sbbq@lemmy.zip 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Is this what needs to happen for half the country to realize how fucked up things are?

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago

They never will, no matter what.