Former ICE Lawyer Says Agency's Officer Training Is 'Deficient, Defective and Broken'

Whistleblower testimony alleges ICE is cutting corners on training new deportation officers amid rapid hiring expansion.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawyer who was responsible for training new deportation officers warned that the agency's training program for new recruits is 'deficient, defective and broken.' Ryan Schwank's comments during a forum held by congressional Democrats come as ICE ramps up hiring of new deportation officers, raising concerns that the agency is sacrificing proper screening and training of applicants in a rush to get them into the field.

Why it matters

The training and conduct of ICE deportation officers has faced intense scrutiny, with critics accusing them of using excessive force, attacking bystanders, and failing to follow constitutional protections. This whistleblower testimony suggests the agency is cutting corners on training new hires, which could exacerbate these issues as ICE rapidly expands its force.

The details

Schwank, who resigned from ICE on February 13, testified that the agency has 'dismantled' the training program for new deportation officers and is 'lying' about the changes. He said the training has been 'truncated and reduced' in terms of courses, exams, and hours. Schwank also alleged he had seen recruits use disproportionate force during training, yet they still graduated.

  • Schwank resigned from ICE on February 13, 2026.
  • The congressional forum where Schwank testified was held on February 24, 2026.

The players

Ryan Schwank

A former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawyer who was responsible for training new deportation officers.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal

A Democratic senator from Connecticut who hosted the forum where Schwank testified.

Rep. Robert Garcia

A Democratic representative from California who co-hosted the forum with Sen. Blumenthal.

Tom Homan

Trump's 'border czar' and a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Lauren Bis

A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security who disputed Schwank's allegations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am here because I am duty-bound to report the legally required training program at the ICE academy is deficient, defective and broken.”

— Ryan Schwank, Former ICE Lawyer

“DHS told the public the new cadets receive all the training they need to perform their duties, that no critical material or standards have been cut. This is a lie. ICE made the program shorter, and they removed so many essential parts that what remains is a dangerous husk.”

— Ryan Schwank, Former ICE Lawyer

“Despite false claims from the media and sanctuary politicians, no training hours have been cut. Our officers receive extensive firearm training, are taught de-escalation tactics, and receive Fourth and Fifth Amendment comprehensive instruction.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Spokeswoman

What’s next

The Senate and House committees that held the forum are expected to continue investigating ICE's training practices and officer conduct in the coming months.

The takeaway

This whistleblower testimony raises serious concerns about the quality and adequacy of training for ICE's rapidly expanding force of deportation officers, which could have significant implications for civil liberties and public safety if not addressed.