• ICE halts accelerated agent training
  • Protests pressure DHS
  • Trump strengthens deportation policies

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reversed its accelerated training program for new agents implemented over the past year.

The measure had been promoted to strengthen the mass deportation campaign backed by President Donald Trump, according to EFE.

ICE halts accelerated agent training program

According to Politico, two Trump administration officials confirmed that the agency halted the expedited training system for recent recruits.

In addition, ICE plans to send veteran agents into the field to reinforce the instruction of recruits who entered through the fast-track program.

  • Why it matters: The change comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faces growing scrutiny over the handling of immigration operations and allegations of excessive use of force.

ICE reviews its training structure

The DHS increased immigration agent hiring through funding approved in the legislative package promoted by Trump in 2025.

That funding allowed a rapid expansion in the number of officers assigned to arrest and deportation duties.

However, the accelerated training model sparked criticism both inside and outside Congress.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and other lawmakers argued that ICE shortened and rushed training to meet targets imposed by the White House.

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According to Politico, basic training may have been reduced to 72 days.

That represented a major shift from the training recruits received before last summer.

One of the consulted sources indicated that the new plan is still under development.

The source also explained that ICE is conducting a comprehensive review of the training protocols used by its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division.

That division is responsible for arresting, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants.

Protests increased pressure on DHS

The DHS has remained under scrutiny because of allegations related to immigration enforcement operations.

Criticism intensified after several shootings linked to immigration agents.

The situation escalated following the deaths of two Americans at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis last January.

Those incidents triggered a wave of protests against immigration operations.

The demonstrations increased both public and political pressure on the Department of Homeland Security.

The protests also led to the removal of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

The latest training adjustments come amid growing tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations.

ICE to deploy veteran agents for additional training

As part of the changes, ICE plans to deploy experienced agents to directly mentor and train recruits who entered through the accelerated system.

The strategy aims to strengthen the field preparation of new officers.

Politico reported that the agency is working to comprehensively reinforce training for operational personnel.

So far, authorities have not publicly announced when the new training model will be finalized.

They have also not detailed possible changes to the official duration of training for future recruits.

The modifications come as the Trump administration’s deportation policies continue and debate intensifies over ICE’s role in immigration enforcement operations.