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Dozens of ICE Employees and Contractors Charged with Crimes Since 2020
Review finds patterns of abuse, corruption, and misuse of authority at the agency
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A review by The Associated Press has found that at least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020. The wrongdoing includes physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and other misuses of authority. Experts warn that such crimes could accelerate as ICE rapidly expands its workforce to over 22,000 employees.
Why it matters
The findings raise concerns about the agency's ability to properly vet and oversee its growing number of personnel, especially given ICE's expansive powers and the vulnerability of the populations it interacts with. The crimes committed by ICE staff could undermine public trust in the agency and its mission.
The details
The AP review found a pattern of charges involving ICE employees and contractors mistreating vulnerable people in their care, including assaulting detainees, engaging in sexual misconduct, and abusing their authority for financial gain. Crimes have been reported across the country, from Texas to Minnesota to Illinois.
- In December 2025, an ICE contractor pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a detainee at a facility in Louisiana.
- In February 2026, a former top official at an ICE contract facility in Texas was sentenced to probation for grabbing and slamming a handcuffed detainee into a wall.
The players
Tricia McLaughlin
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, who stated that wrongdoing was not widespread in the agency and that ICE takes allegations of misconduct seriously.
Gil Kerlikowske
Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, who warned that ICE will likely see even more serious problems with misconduct as it rapidly expands its workforce.
What they’re saying
“America can be proud of the professionalism our officers bring to the job day-in and day-out.”
— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary (ksgf.com)
“ICE agents are particularly 'vulnerable to unnecessary use of force issues', given that they are conducting enforcement operations while facing protests.”
— Gil Kerlikowske, Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner (ksgf.com)
What’s next
Experts say the rapid growth of ICE and the immense power its officers wield over vulnerable populations could lead to more instances of abuse and misconduct, underscoring the need for rigorous vetting and oversight of the agency's personnel.
The takeaway
The criminal cases against ICE employees and contractors highlight the risks of rapidly expanding a law enforcement agency with broad authority over vulnerable populations. Proper vetting, training, and accountability measures will be crucial as ICE continues to grow in size and scope.
