Story perspectives

Former ICE Instructor Blasts Deficient Training Standards

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ryan Schwank, a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement instructor, testified before Congress that ICE training is deficient, defective, and broken.
He said new recruits are inadequately trained and lack knowledge of constitutional duties and limits of authority.
Schwank alleged ICE misled Congress about training standards and that hours have been cut nearly 40% with essential classes eliminated.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its training, saying no requirements were removed.

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Story summary

Ryan Schwank, a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement instructor, testified before Congress that ICE training is deficient, defective, and broken.
He said new recruits are inadequately trained and lack knowledge of constitutional duties and limits of authority.
Schwank alleged ICE misled Congress about training standards and that hours have been cut nearly 40% with essential classes eliminated.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its training, saying no requirements were removed.