Training grounds for ICE officers intensify under the Trump administration's immigration recruitment drive

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is expanding its workforce, with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) preparing to train up to 10,000 new officers. This initiative forms part of the Department of Homeland Security's deportation efforts.

The FLETC, located in Georgia, is not only training ICE officers but also various federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Bureau of Prisons, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The training process for ICE officers includes a rigorous security screening and background check. The entire process can take as little as eight weeks from start to finish. However, the specifics of the training for the Special Operations Team, an elite tactical unit within ICE, remain undisclosed.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons has expressed concern about the rise in doxxing and threats against ICE agents. In response, ICE officers are now required to wear masks to protect their identities. Lyons has also urged elected officials to work together to hold accountable those who dox ICE agents.

The Special Operations Team is deployed when threat levels are high and when a warrant needs to be served. Each field office around the country has one Special Operations Team.

To expedite the hiring process, ICE has cut back on the Spanish language portion of the training. Instead, ICE uses Spanish language software in the field. This move is aimed at speeding up the hiring timeline to address the growing demand for ICE officers.

Lyons and former ICE Acting Director Caleb Vitello, who runs the training centre, emphasise the importance of maintaining the quality of officers over quantity. They believe that the quality of ICE officers is crucial to the effective execution of their duties.

The increase in doxxing and threats against ICE agents has been a concern since the beginning of the Trump administration. However, according to Lyons, the threat has escalated recently. Despite these challenges, ICE continues to work diligently to enforce immigration laws and maintain the safety of its officers.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons expects to staff up 10,000 new officers by the end of the year. This expansion aims to strengthen ICE's ability to carry out its mission and ensure the safety of the nation.

Training grounds for ICE officers intensify under the Trump administration's immigration recruitment drive