A former lawyer for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has raised serious concerns about the agency’s training program for new deportation officers, labeling it as “deficient, defective and broken.” Ryan Schwank made these statements during a forum organized by congressional Democrats, amidst growing scrutiny of ICE’s practices under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation strategy.
Schwank, who was responsible for training new deportation officers and resigned from ICE earlier this year, criticized the agency for its accelerated hiring of deportation officers. He argued that this surge in recruitment leads to inadequate training and screening of applicants, jeopardizing the efficacy and safety of the department’s operations. “DHS told the public the new cadets receive all the training they need to perform their duties, that no critical material or standards have been cut,” Schwank asserted. “This is a lie. ICE made the program shorter, and they removed so many essential parts that what remains is a dangerous husk.”
During the hearing, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Robert Garcia, who have been vocal critics of ICE’s handling of deportations and treatment of immigrants, echoed Schwank’s concerns. They stressed that improvements to the training program are essential not only for the officers’ effectiveness but also for the protection of individuals’ rights during enforcement actions. Blumenthal’s office shared documents indicating significant cuts to the training regimen for new officers, including reductions in the number of exams and classes, including the elimination of crucial practical exercises.
In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rebuffed claims that training standards had been compromised. A department spokesperson reaffirmed that new recruits undergo 56 days of training followed by an average of 28 days of on-the-job training, asserting that no training hours have been cut. The department maintained that their training incorporates advanced technology and methodologies to enhance efficiency while ensuring comprehensive instruction on the law.
However, the presented documents suggest that reductions have occurred, including the elimination of vital “Use of Force Simulation Training,” which raises further questions about the preparedness of new officers to handle complex situations appropriately. As DHS continues to defend its training practices, the push for accountability and improved standards appears to resonate with many concerned about the oversight of immigration enforcement in the U.S.
Overall, as more information surfaces about ICE training procedures, it highlights the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement priorities and the need for human rights protections, fostering hopes for reform in the agency’s approach.