Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is facing significant scrutiny as internal records reveal 148 “open allegations” of agent misconduct and potential criminal activities. These include charges like sexual assault, bribery, and drug smuggling over the past three years. The records, obtained by Newsweek, span fiscal years 2023 to 2025, covering both President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump’s administrations.
Breakdown of Allegations
The records detail various charges against ICE agents. The list includes allegations of domestic violence, drunk driving, and misuse of government computers. Notably, the records reference 10 incidents of service weapon discharge, which required mandatory reporting. Newsweek accessed these documents through the Freedom of Information Act, revealing the nature of investigations involving ICE agents nationwide.
In total, 18 cases are open from 2023, 69 from 2024, and 61 from 2025. This timeline aligns with a rapid increase in ICE agent recruitment, which jumped from 10,000 to 22,000 officers within a year, according to the Homeland Department.
Insights from ICE Leadership
John Sandweg, who served as acting ICE director under President Barack Obama, commented on the records. He suggested the number of open investigations might not necessarily indicate a rise in misconduct, but could signal delays in resolving cases.
“What strikes me as interesting is the number of open investigations,” Sandweg said. “I wouldn’t necessarily attribute that to an increase in alleged misconduct. It raises questions for me about whether they’re moving these cases towards resolution.”
The ICE Office of Professional Responsibility reviews allegations, focusing on employee misconduct and policy violations. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security emphasized the agency’s dedication to maintaining public trust and accountability in handling misconduct charges.
Types of Allegations
Approximately 30% of the recorded cases, totaling 44 entries, fall under criminal or criminal non-federal matters. The remaining 104 are categorized as non-criminal misconduct or administrative issues. The report also includes 10 allegations involving intentional firearm discharge, with some resulting in death or serious injury.
Additional allegations involve:
- 10 DUI/DWI investigations
- 6 cases of government vehicle misuse
- 5 bribery investigations
- 2 sexual assault cases
- 2 drug smuggling investigations
- 3 domestic violence incidents
- 2 sexual harassment claims
Misuse of government resources, conflict of interest allegations, and hostile work environments form the largest categories of complaints.
Historical Context and Agency Oversight
Sandweg noted that misuse of position, resources, and workplace harassment are common issues in large law enforcement agencies. He explained that rapid expansion often leads to increased misconduct allegations when quality control in recruitment processes is lacking.
“History has shown us that when you build up these agencies quickly, and you put your focus not on ensuring the quality of your workforce, but rather how quickly you can get more agents out there making arrests, you’re going to get a massive increase in misconduct-related allegations,” he said.
The revelations from the Freedom of Information request appeared nearly 19 months after Newsweek initially filed the request, providing a detailed look into ICE’s internal processes.
Political Reactions and Implications
Under President Trump’s mass deportation agenda, ICE has increased arrests and deportation efforts, resulting in heightened scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups. Notable incidents involving ICE shootings have fueled calls for more transparency and better internal oversight regarding the use of force.
U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson expressed concern over rising allegations against ICE agents, highlighting the need for accountability within law enforcement.
“I’m very disturbed by that criminal allegations against and misconduct from ICE agents are on the rise. The professionalism of our law enforcement should be of the utmost priority for the Federal government – and for Congress,” Thompson said.
Democratic Representative Seth Magaziner voiced concerns about the lack of discipline for excessive force during the Trump administration’s deportation surges, citing incidents of violence and misconduct by ICE agents.
“The American people have seen countless videos of ICE agents attacking peaceful protesters, needlessly shooting and killing people in the streets, and engaging in other behavior that would lead to immediate discipline in any other law enforcement agency,” Magaziner stated.
The records highlight investigations from both Biden’s and Trump’s presidencies. However, the data is organized by fiscal year, complicating the distinction between cases started under each administration.