ICE is hiring rapidly with some recruits starting training without full background checks, raising safety concerns.

Some new ICE recruits have begun training without completing required background checks, drug tests, or fingerprint submissions, according to current and former Homeland Security officials, amid a rapid hiring surge tied to President Trump’s goal of expanding ICE to 10,000 agents and achieving 3,000 daily arrests. Over 200 recruits have been dismissed during training, mostly for failing physical or academic standards, with fewer than 10 dismissed due to criminal records, drug test failures, or missing vetting steps. One recruit had a prior domestic violence charge. The training period was shortened from 13 to six weeks, raising concerns about preparedness. While DHS says most new hires are experienced law enforcement officers undergoing streamlined but rigorous checks, officials warn that weakened vetting may have allowed disqualified individuals to enter the pipeline.