Story perspectives

DHS Expands ICE Role, Critics Warn of Accountability Risks

2/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expanding integration of law enforcement, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) playing lead role.
A shift assigns Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents to ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Critics express concern that deployment and identification of these agents lack transparency and hinder accountability.
Oversight is crucial as agents operate in cities and arrest individuals without clear justification.

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Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expanding integration of law enforcement, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) playing lead role.
A shift assigns Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents to ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Critics express concern that deployment and identification of these agents lack transparency and hinder accountability.
Oversight is crucial as agents operate in cities and arrest individuals without clear justification.