Brunswick, Georgia

There are more than 100 agencies engaged in training recruits to become law enforcement officers or agents at federal law enforcement training centers. Yet, this year, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seems to have drawn more attention than others involved in training at FLETC.

Blaze News had the opportunity to observe ICE training last week, along with acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and other media representatives. Training to become an ICE officer typically spans eight weeks, supplemented by two additional weeks of preparatory and follow-up training. Following the signing of a significant law by President Trump in July, the Department of Homeland Security reported over 115,000 applications for recruitment.

Lyons noted that, although the training curriculum for new agents has become more streamlined to minimize redundancy, it has not compromised on quality. The administration aims to deport about a million individuals annually, emphasizing the need for intensive training for officers.

“One thing I insisted on was maintaining our training standards. I’ve experienced it firsthand, and I know precisely what is required,” Lyons stated.

He also mentioned efforts to recruit an additional 10,000 deportation agents, building on the existing force of around 6,000. A notable number of applicants already possess law enforcement experience.

Lyons expressed satisfaction at seeing candidates willing to engage in ICE’s crucial mission, despite facing violence and threats from opposing political groups.

In light of the significant anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles this past June, Lyons explained that agents needed to change both tactics and their everyday gear. He remarked on the unprecedented nature of what transpired in Los Angeles, stating that ICE personnel are not trained to handle civil unrest and acknowledged the lack of suitable equipment to manage the riots.

These concerns have led to all agents being equipped with helmets and gas masks, recognizing the increasing likelihood of facing such scenarios. Age restrictions have also been lifted; older applicants can now apply, though ICE ensures that they are physically capable of engaging in ongoing confrontations nationwide.

As part of the tour, there was a visit to the gym used by ICE trainees and the shooting range. ICE was one of the first institutions at FLETC to allow trainees to qualify with red dot sights on handguns instead of traditional sights. A demonstration by the special response team showcased their protocol for entering a residence while serving a search or arrest warrant.