ICE Slashes Training for New Officers Amid Rising Outrage

URGENT UPDATE: A former instructor for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has exposed alarming cuts to training for new officers, claiming the agency has eliminated critical classes just as it ramps up mass deportation efforts. Ryan Schwank, who resigned from his position at an ICE academy in Georgia last week, testified before Congress on February 10, 2026, revealing that the agency has slashed 240 hours of essential training from a mandatory 580-hour program.

Schwank’s accusations come amid growing public outrage over ICE’s aggressive tactics, particularly following recent incidents where federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. He stated that the eliminated classes included vital instruction on the legal use of force, firearm safety, and proper procedures for detaining immigrants. “Deficient training can and will get people killed,” Schwank warned, emphasizing the serious implications of these cutbacks.

The controversy intensified as Schwank provided congressional Democrats with internal documents purportedly outlining the extent of the cuts. These revelations have fueled concerns that ICE is not only misleading Congress but also jeopardizing public safety by inadequately preparing its officers.

In response to Schwank’s testimony, ICE’s acting director, Todd M. Lyons, claimed during a separate congressional hearing that the agency has not reduced the “meat of the training.” He argued that while the hours per day have increased, the total training duration remains unchanged. “No training hours have been cut,” stated Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), insisting that recruits receive comprehensive firearm training and education on constitutional rights.

However, Schwank challenged these assertions, citing specific cuts such as the elimination of a 16-hour firearms training module and a drastic reduction of a two-hour class on protesters’ rights to just ten minutes. The former instructor also disclosed a controversial internal memo that indicated a shift in policy allowing ICE officers to use administrative warrants for entering private residences, a departure from the requirement of judicial warrants.

“The agency is teaching cadets to violate the Constitution,” Schwank asserted, adding that he was instructed to keep this information confidential. His testimony underscores a critical moment for ICE, as public scrutiny intensifies over its operational practices and training standards.

As this story develops, many are left questioning the implications of these training cuts for the safety and rights of individuals affected by ICE’s enforcement actions. The urgency of Schwank’s revelations cannot be overstated, as they raise serious concerns about the agency’s commitment to upholding constitutional protections during immigration enforcement.

Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as new details emerge.