U.S. Immigration Agents Use Racial Slur “tonk” in Los Angeles Sweeps

Federal immigration agents in Los Angeles were documented using the derogatory term “tonk” – a slang word for undocumented migrants – in text messages and body‑camera footage during sweeps that began in 2024. Court filings in the Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem case show agents also used the slur “wet” and described targets as “older Hispanic male,” prompting the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups to seek a preliminary injunction against racial profiling. The filing cites internal communications, including a message that read, “Yeah, just plug us in wherever you see some tonks and we’ll jump out,” and references a 2019 Customs and Border Protection directive that labeled the term inappropriate. Public commentary has highlighted the slur’s long‑standing use by Border Patrol, noting its onomatopoeic origin and the agency’s continued reliance on it despite official guidance.