A former ICE instructor testified to Congress on February 23, 2026, alleging the agency significantly reduced officer training and misrepresented the extent of that reduction to lawmakers, according to testimony reported by the Washington Post.
The instructor, whose name has not been publicly released, detailed what they described as a systematic dismantling of crucial training modules, leaving new recruits ill-prepared for their duties. The testimony centered on a perceived decline in training related to de-escalation tactics, cultural sensitivity, and legal procedures. The former instructor claimed the cuts were driven by budgetary constraints and a desire to accelerate the deployment of new officers.
The allegations align with a separate warning from an ICE whistleblower, reported by CBS News, who stated that current recruits are receiving “defective” training. The whistleblower’s concerns echo the former instructor’s claims, suggesting a widespread issue within the agency’s training programs. The CBS report indicated that the reduced training time has led to recruits lacking proficiency in essential skills.
Further corroborating these claims, a former agency lawyer told a congressional forum that ICE officer training is “deficient” and “broken,” according to the Associated Press. The lawyer, also speaking anonymously, described a training curriculum that fails to adequately prepare officers for the complexities of their roles, particularly regarding civil rights and due process concerns. The lawyer’s testimony focused on the potential for increased misconduct and legal challenges resulting from the inadequate training.
The New York Times reported that the whistleblower characterized the training as failing to meet basic standards, and that the agency had been warned internally about the deficiencies. The whistleblower’s account detailed specific instances where recruits were unable to demonstrate competency in critical areas, such as leverage-of-force protocols and immigration law.
The testimonies come at a time of increased scrutiny of ICE’s operations and policies. The agency has faced criticism from civil rights groups and lawmakers regarding its enforcement practices and treatment of detainees. The allegations of deficient training add another layer of concern, raising questions about the agency’s ability to ensure its officers operate within legal and ethical boundaries.
As of February 24, 2026, ICE has not issued a formal response to the allegations. A spokesperson for the agency stated that they are reviewing the claims but declined to provide further comment. A hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2026, before the House Homeland Security Committee, where ICE Director Peter Jennings is expected to testify.
