Trump Administration Plans ICE Overhaul After 3,000 Arrests Goal Missed: Report
Reports indicate that the Trump administration plans a significant overhaul of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership. Over half of the regional directors will be replaced, mostly with personnel from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This decision follows frustrations with ICE’s performance in achieving arrest targets amidst the ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration.
ICE Arrest Goals and Current Performance
The White House, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, had set ambitious goals for ICE. The target was set at 3,000 arrests of undocumented migrants daily. However, recent statistics show that in September, the agency only managed an average of 1,178 arrests per day. These figures demonstrate a significant shortfall in meeting the administration’s expectations.
Response to Detainee Deaths
The changes in ICE leadership come amid growing scrutiny of the agency. California Representative Pramila Jayapal highlighted the issue on social media, referencing the recent death of a detainee in ICE custody. She noted that 22 immigrants have died while in custody since the start of Trump’s presidency, criticizing the agency for failing to ensure the safety of those detained.
Reorganization of ICE Leadership
The Trump administration is replacing ICE field directors in an effort to implement more aggressive immigration enforcement strategies. A significant aspect of this plan involves utilizing CBP personnel who have demonstrated a more proactive approach to arrests.
- A dozen ICE field office directors are slated for removal.
- Approximately half of the 25 ICE offices will see leadership changes.
- The replacements are selected by DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski and CBP chief Greg Bovino.
DHS officials state that the administration believes ICE has not been efficient in performing its duties. As a result, CBP will take over many of ICE’s responsibilities to enhance the agency’s operational effectiveness.
Increased Funding and Recruitment Efforts
ICE’s funding and resources have seen a notable increase under the Trump administration. Recent reports revealed that the agency spent $70 million on weapons in the first nine months of Trump’s second term. This figure represents a staggering 700% increase compared to the spending during Joe Biden’s last year in office.
Recruitment Surge
ICE has also embarked on a recruitment campaign to bolster its workforce. As a result of extensive advertising across various platforms, the agency received over 175,000 job applications. So far, more than 18,000 tentative job offers have been made.
This initiative aligns with Trump’s goal of creating what he describes as “the largest mass deportation program in history,” emphasizing his commitment to a stricter immigration policy.
