A rapid recruitment and expansion drive by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resulted in the hiring of employees with questionable backgrounds, according to an investigation by the Associated Press.
The Trump administration's push to double ICE's force with 12,000 new officers and special agents, backed by a $75bn congressional windfall, led to expedited hiring. Some recruits had patchy employment records, bankruptcies, and allegations of misconduct, including a case where a recruit allegedly lied in a police report, leading to a $75,000 settlement.
Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former ICE official, warned that rapid vetting increases liability risks. The agency defended its hiring, with acting director Todd Lyons stating the expansion of a 'well-trained and well-vetted workforce' supports the president's agenda.
An AP review of over 40 new ICE officers on LinkedIn found several had histories of unpaid debts, bankruptcies, or lawsuits over misconduct in prior law enforcement roles. While most had conventional qualifications, experts like Marshall Jones of the Florida Institute of Technology noted that some 'less than ideal candidates' may have been hired.
The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that some applicants received tentative offers before full background checks were completed, but insisted vetting is ongoing and rigorous.
