Surge in Misconduct Among ICE Staff Amid Expansion Raises Concerns

Thu Feb 12 2026 01:05:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent findings reveal that with ICE's rapid growth, instances of misconduct among its employees are increasing, including physical abuse and corruption.

A review highlights alarming trends of misconduct among U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees, especially as the agency expands. A surge in hiring has led to at least two dozen employees facing charges for various crimes, including sexual abuse and corruption, raising concerns about the agency's practices and accountability.

Since 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has seen at least two dozen of its employees and contractors charged with serious crimes, including patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and misuse of authority, according to an extensive review. Experts argue that the recent $75 billion funding by Congress for increased hiring and detention capacity could amplify these issues due to less oversight amidst rapid growth.

While misconduct is not uncommon in law enforcement, the scale of ICE's expansion poses unique risks. With a doubled workforce of 22,000 employees in under a year, instances of abuse against vulnerable populations have become more prevalent. Former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske noted that past expansions led to significant problems in similar agencies, hinting that ICE may follow suit.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended ICE, saying misconduct is not widespread and emphasized the agency's commitment to thorough vetting for new hires, many of whom have previous law enforcement experience.

Widespread Arrests and Abuse Cases

There have been at least nine arrests involving ICE personnel in recent months, including a supervisor charged with multiple counts of assaulting his girlfriend and employees facing sex crime allegations. Notably, a contractor in Louisiana received a guilty plea for sexually exploiting a detainee.

Corruption and Financial Abuse

Financial misconduct is also a growing concern; one officer has been indicted for taking bribes from bail bondsmen, while two ICE agents in Utah were sentenced for exploiting their positions to traffic drugs. This pattern of abuse raises serious questions about the agency's internal culture and accountability.

As ICE continues its aggressive enforcement strategies, the potential for abuse seems more likely than ever, prompting calls for stricter oversight and accountability measures to safeguard the rights of those under its jurisdiction.