By Maribel Velazquez
He Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces questions after a accelerated recruitment campaign thataccording to an AP investigation, would have allowed the entry of agents with problematic backgrounds or unsound profiles.
The hiring responds to a strategy promoted by the president donald trumpwho prioritized strengthening the migratory apparatus with the incorporation of up to 12 thousand new officers and special agents. This measure was possible after an extraordinary allocation of $75 billion approved by Congress.
However, The accelerated pace of recruitment has raised alarms. The investigation documents cases of new agents with histories that include bankruptcies, lawsuits for alleged police misconduct and unstable employment trajectories.
One of the cases cited is that of an agent who accumulated six jobs in police forces in just three years and that it had faced significant financial problems. Experts warn that this type of background can represent risks in sensitive functions.
“If the background check is not done correctly and done too quickly, there is a increased risk of abuse of power or bad decisions,” warned Claire Trickler-McNulty, who worked at the agency during different administrations.
ICE has defended its hiring process
In statements collected by the aforementioned agency, the acting director Todd Lyons assured that the expansion responds to the need to comply with a “ambitious agenda” and that standards are maintained. “This expansion of a well-trained workforce will contribute to strengthen the agency’s mission“he stated.
However, the evidence collected suggests that some candidates received job offers before completing background checks. He Department of Homeland Security (DHS)on which ICE depends, acknowledged that these reviews are “an ongoing process,” meaning they can be completed after the initial hiring.
The analysis focused on more than 40 profiles of new agents who made their employment public on professional platforms. Although many had experience in security or the armed forces, several had warning signs, such as unpaid debts or legal history.
Police recruitment specialists told the agency that, in contexts of massive expansion, it is common for certain criteria to be relaxed. However, they warn that This can affect the quality of the operating body. “The question is whether these are isolated cases or a systemic problem,” explained an expert cited in the investigation.
The topic becomes relevant in a context where the ICE has come under fire for the use of force in recent operations. So the combination of political pressure, accelerated growth and possible selection failures could increase the risk of incidents.
In addition, former agency instructors have indicated that training may not be enough to prepare new agents. This includes key aspects such as the proportional use of force and respect for civil rights.
Despite criticism, the government defends that strengthening ICE is essential to implement its immigration policy.
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