ICE Keeps Hiring Despite Allegations Over Agents and Background Checks

• ICE keeps its job openings posted.
• An investigation flags 19 agents.
• Senators call for a review of background checks.

ICE is keeping its job postings open across the United States despite allegations about its screening procedures and rumors of a hiring pause that spread on Facebook and TikTok.

The agency’s official website still lists openings, while Democratic lawmakers demand a review of the hires made during its expansion.

Records from the Office of Personnel Management showed 28,502 employees in September 2026, at the close of the fiscal year.

That total includes staff in a range of areas: not all workers have arrest, detention or deportation duties.

Investigation Flags Backgrounds of at Least 19 Agents

ICE will keep recruiting despite rumors of a pause and allegations that it employs people with criminal records. https://t.co/UbyynYsEFl

— La Voz Arizona (@LaVozaz) November 11, 2026

The investigation, attributed to The Washington Post, identified at least 19 agents with histories of misconduct complaints, violent incidents or criminal charges.

The work began with an October leak that exposed approximately 1,500 names. The newspaper reviewed the backgrounds of about 300 new hires.

Among the cases is a former Detroit officer involved in a fatal shooting that led to a $2.5 million court settlement for wrongful death.

The findings, published on November 10, call the hiring process into question. The complaints and charges mentioned are not, in themselves, equivalent to convictions.

Senators Ask to Temporarily Pull Agents From the Field

On October 5, Alex Padilla, Cory Booker and Richard Blumenthal asked DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to temporarily remove certain agents from fieldwork.

The request covers those hired during the 2025 staffing increase, until they complete new background checks and training.

The senators cited a report by The New York Times stating that about 7,500 officers with arrest authority were still awaiting completed background investigations.

They also asked for details about a plan to bring on another 5,000 employees before the end of 2026 and about the protocols that would apply to those hires.

ICE Defends Its Background Checks

The lawmakers’ concerns include allegations of incomplete background checks, fewer training hours, deployments before investigations were finished, and deaths during immigration operations.

An ICE veteran told the DHS inspector general that some candidates reportedly received final offers without completing fingerprint, identity and credit checks.

In statements gathered by The Associated Press, ICE said it applies the relevant standards to vet its personnel.

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The agency acknowledged provisional selections and that some recruits may have started training while background investigations were still under way.

ICE Openings in Arizona: Bonuses and Requirements

USAJOBS lists openings for a range of roles. One Deportation Officer posting includes Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Florence, Eloy and Flagstaff.

That posting sets a closing date of December 31, 2026, although selection periods depend on the agency’s needs.

The posting offers a bonus of up to $30,000 for eligible candidates and an additional $5,000 in certain locations; other announced incentives have different amounts.

Those interested can review each posting to confirm eligibility, location, deadlines and conditions, without assuming that all positions offer the same benefits.

SOURCE: azcentral