At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, according to a review by The Associated Press. These charges include patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and misuse of authority.
Experts are sounding alarms that the increase in misconduct could accelerate as ICE rapidly expands. The agency recently announced it has increased its workforce to 22,000 employees in less than a year, significantly impacting its ability to enforce immigration laws.
Nearly all law enforcement agencies face challenges with misconduct, but ICE’s unprecedented growth and authority over vulnerable populations raise concerns about the potential for abuse. A notable number of arrests stemmed from personnel involved in serious criminal activities, casting doubt on the agency’s ability to uphold professional standards.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that while wrongdoing within the agency is not widespread, allegations are treated with utmost seriousness. However, the rapid influx of new hires and the agency's aggressive deportation tactics invoke comparisons to past corruption issues faced by other agencies, such as the Border Patrol.
Some recent incidents highlight the urgent need for oversight. Charges have included a range of allegations from excessive use of force to corruption schemes involving bribes. Amid growing numbers of detainees in ICE’s custody, advocates warn that the rise in misconduct poses a serious risk to the safety and rights of those in detention.
As the agency continues to expand, the review of past misconduct highlights a critical need for reforms and increased accountability to protect vulnerable communities from potential abuses.
