ICE does not distinguish much between applicants who have completed high school and applicants with college education. Like the US military, most applicants do not have college degrees.
The lengthy application process and rigorous training historically rejects over 70% of prospective agents.
Training is at an academy with mandatory residence requirements. It’s 40 hours a week for 18 weeks and includes physical fitness, Spanish language, defensive maneuvers, de-escalation techniques, extensive federal law, weapon skills, and cultural training. There are several exams, and many new hires don’t complete training. Everyone has to be pepper-sprayed in order to understand how serious it is, and it is emphasized that use of force is always a last resort.
After graduation, new ICE agents serve a one year probationary period while being paired with a seasoned agent, for a more effective means of training.
OPINION
There is a hierarchy within federal law enforcement agencies; generally speaking, ICE agents are the least respected. The recent behavior of ICE agents is absolutely a reflection of the Trump administration.
A relatively unbiased answer to your questions:
FACTS
ICE does not distinguish much between applicants who have completed high school and applicants with college education. Like the US military, most applicants do not have college degrees.
The lengthy application process and rigorous training historically rejects over 70% of prospective agents.
Training is at an academy with mandatory residence requirements. It’s 40 hours a week for 18 weeks and includes physical fitness, Spanish language, defensive maneuvers, de-escalation techniques, extensive federal law, weapon skills, and cultural training. There are several exams, and many new hires don’t complete training. Everyone has to be pepper-sprayed in order to understand how serious it is, and it is emphasized that use of force is always a last resort.
After graduation, new ICE agents serve a one year probationary period while being paired with a seasoned agent, for a more effective means of training.
OPINION
There is a hierarchy within federal law enforcement agencies; generally speaking, ICE agents are the least respected. The recent behavior of ICE agents is absolutely a reflection of the Trump administration.
https://www.ice.gov/doclib/about/offices/ero/pdf/ice_d_handbook.pdf