Democrats are loudly demanding higher standards for ICE officers. However, the example they use—discontinuing the use of face masks—relates more to operating procedures than to standards. A better example of wanting to raise standards would be completing 52 weeks of training instead of the current 22.
To become an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer today, applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a background check, drug test, and medical exam, and be willing to travel or relocate. Key requirements include a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience), being under 37 (with exceptions for veterans), a valid driver’s license, and passing the Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
The key standards and requirements include the following:
- Age: Generally 21–37, though recent directives have removed upper age limits for some, or waived them for veterans/law enforcement.
- Education/Experience: A bachelor’s degree (often with a 3.0+ GPA or top-third class ranking) or one year of specialized, qualifying experience in law enforcement or criminal investigation.
- Fitness & Health: Must pass the PFT (32 sit-ups, 22 push-ups, 220-yard sprint, and 1.5-mile run within specified times).
- Background: Must be able to hold a top-secret security clearance, pass a polygraph exam, and have no felony convictions.
- Training: Completion of a 22-week basic training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia.
Another area that could potentially be reviewed and updated is the code of conduct. ICE officers must maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and constitutional compliance, both on and off duty. They must adhere to strict ethical rules regarding conflicts of interest, bribery, and respectful treatment of the public. Misconduct is investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Key aspects of the ICE Code of Conduct include:
- Professionalism & Integrity: Officers must not engage in conduct that discredits the agency or impairs its mission.
- Legal Compliance: Adherence to the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and specific regulations (e.g., 5 C.F.R. Part 2635) is mandatory.
- Use of Force: Officers must use only the minimum non-deadly force necessary.
- Accountability: Supervisors must foster a respectful work environment, and employees must report misconduct.
- Outside Conduct: The code applies to officers even when they are off-duty.
Internally, key procedures and rights address the following:
- Arrests: Require probable cause, and officers must follow specific procedures for detention.
- Rights of the Public: Individuals have the right to remain silent and, in many cases, to refuse entry to officers who do not have a valid judicial warrant.
- Oversight: The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigates allegations of employee misconduct.
Politicians don’t always understand the complexities of standards, requirements, procedures, codes of conduct, and so forth. They unknowingly mix one with another, thinking they are providing solutions requiring policy shifts when in fact they don’t.
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