Exclusive: ICE Agents Investigated for Sexual Assault, Bribery, Drug Smuggling
Internal ICE records obtained by Newsweek reveal 148 'open allegations' of agent misconduct and potential criminal wrongdoing over the past three years, including sexual assault, bribery, drug smuggling, domestic violence, drunk driving, and misuse of government computers. These allegations span fiscal years 2023 to 2025, covering both Biden and Trump administrations. ICE reported 18 open cases in 2023, rising to 69 in 2024 and 61 in 2025. The data also includes 10 service weapon discharge incidents requiring mandatory reporting, with five causing death or serious injury. Acting ICE Director John Sandweg noted the high number of open investigations raises concerns about case resolution timelines rather than indicating increased misconduct. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized its commitment to accountability and proper vetting processes.
Internal records obtained by Newsweek reveal that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has 148 active allegations of misconduct and possible criminal activity against its agents over the past three years. These allegations span a range of serious offenses, including sexual assault, bribery, and drug smuggling, according to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. The data covers fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025, encompassing periods during both the presidencies of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The records also detail allegations of domestic violence, drunk driving, and unauthorized use of government computers. According to the documents, ICE reported 18 open cases in 2023, 69 in 2024, and 61 in 2025. This surge in open investigations comes amid a notable expansion in ICE staffing. The Department of Homeland Security announced earlier this year that ICE had increased its workforce from approximately 10,000 to 22,000 agents within a year. John Sandweg, former acting director of ICE under President Barack Obama, noted that while the volume of open investigations might suggest a trend, it does not necessarily reflect an increase in actual misconduct. Instead, he raised concerns about the efficiency of case resolution processes. The Office of Professional Responsibility within ICE is responsible for reviewing allegations of misconduct and ensuring compliance with agency policies. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that the office adheres strictly to personnel vetting regulations and evaluates each candidate thoroughly based on relevant criteria. Despite these assurances, the lack of specific identification of individuals or outcomes related to the allegations leaves room for uncertainty. Among the 148 open cases, approximately 30 percent, or 44 instances, fall into the category of criminal or non-federal criminal matters. The remaining 104 cases pertain to non-criminal misconduct, administrative issues, or informational records. The records also include 10 allegations involving the deliberate discharge of service weapons. Of these, five led to deaths or severe injuries, three resulted in no harm or damage, one caused property damage, and another resulted in minor injury. Other notable allegations include 10 investigations into driving under the influence, six cases involving the misuse of government vehicles, five bribery-related probes, two sexual assault cases involving adults, two drug-smuggling investigations, and three domestic violence allegations. Additionally, there are two allegations of sexual harassment. The most frequently reported issues involve the misuse of government computers, email, or telephone systems, with 15 such cases documented. Misuse of position and conflict-of-interest allegations totaled 12 each, alongside 12 reports of hostile work environments. Despite the breadth of these allegations, none of the records specify whether the accusations have been substantiated or if any disciplinary measures have been taken. Sandweg acknowledged that certain types of misconduct, such as misuse of position, government property, and workplace harassment, are typical in large law enforcement organizations. He suggested that the rapid growth of agencies can lead to challenges in maintaining consistent standards and addressing issues promptly. In separate developments, the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, has raised concerns about how police are trained to manage situations involving mental health crises following the release of disturbing video footage showing officers' interactions with two men who later died in custody. Meanwhile, NPR News reported that ICE has implemented sufficient body camera coverage, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability following a series of high-profile shootings linked to immigration officers during the Trump administration. These efforts aim to address ongoing public concerns regarding the conduct and oversight of law enforcement activities.
Internal ICE records obtained by Newsweek reveal 148 'open allegations' of agent misconduct and potential criminal wrongdoing over the past three years, including sexual assault, bribery, drug smuggling, domestic violence, drunk driving, and misuse of government computers. These allegations span fiscal years 2023 to 2025, covering both Biden and Trump administrations. ICE reported 18 open cases in 2023, rising to 69 in 2024 and 61 in 2025. The data also includes 10 service weapon discharge incidents requiring mandatory reporting, with five causing death or serious injury. Acting ICE Director John Sandweg noted the high number of open investigations raises concerns about case resolution timelines rather than indicating increased misconduct. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized its commitment to accountability and proper vetting processes.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents allegations against ICE agents, it does not overtly frame them as politically motivated or partisan. The focus is on factual reporting of internal records and responses from ICE leadership, without clear ideological leaning. The tone remains neutral, emphasizing procedural
Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed statistics from internal ICE records, including numbers of open allegations and time frames. These figures are presented as sourced from ICE's own records, which adds credibility. However, the article stops mid-sentence, so full context is missing, slightly affecting ov
Why objectivity (70): The article has a somewhat investigative tone and presents information that could be seen as critical of ICE. While it quotes an ex-director, the focus on misconduct allegations and the implication that investigations are unresolved leans toward a more critical stance, reducing objectivity.
The article reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims it now has sufficient body cameras following a series of deadly shootings involving immigration officers during the Trump administration. The mention of body cameras is presented as a potential solution to address concerns regarding transparency and accountability within ICE. The piece highlights the historical context of over two dozen shootings linked to ICE agents under former President Donald Trump, suggesting that increased surveillance might mitigate public skepticism about the agency’s practices.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about ICE's current stance on body cameras without overtly endorsing or criticizing the agency's actions. It provides background on past incidents but does not take a clear ideological position on the issue, maintaining a balanced tone.
Why factuality (80): The article references past shootings by ICE officers under the Trump administration and mentions the introduction of body cameras. While it cites the number of shootings, it does not provide exact figures or sources beyond general statements, which limits complete verification.
Why objectivity (80): The article suggests that body cameras could improve transparency and accountability, implying a positive outcome. While this is a reasonable inference, it introduces a slight editorial tone by suggesting a solution rather than presenting purely factual information.
The deaths of two men while in the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department have triggered investigations into police procedures. Mayor Karen Bass has raised concerns about the adequacy of police training in handling mental health crises, following the release of graphic video footage depicting the officers' actions during these incidents. The footage has sparked public scrutiny and calls for accountability within the department. The situation highlights ongoing debates over law enforcement practices and the need for improved protocols in dealing with individuals experiencing mental health issues.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue through the lens of questioning police training and emphasizes the need for reform in handling mental health crises, which aligns with progressive stances on policing and social justice. The focus on accountability and potential inadequacies in police procedures suggests
Why factuality (75): The article reports on deaths in police custody and mentions the mayor questioning police training related to mental health crises. While there is no primary source document, the factuality score reflects the general consistency with known patterns of police interactions with individuals in mental h
Why objectivity (85): The article presents information in a neutral tone, focusing on the events and official responses without overt bias. It does not take sides or express strong opinions about the underlying issues, maintaining a balanced perspective.
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