Overview
- ICE’s accelerated surge, with academy training shortened to eight weeks, has been undercut as more than one-third of early recruits fail the basic fitness test, according to officials.
- To pass, candidates must do 15 push-ups and 32 sit-ups and complete a 1.5-mile run in 14 minutes, with the run eliminating the most trainees.
- An October 5 headquarters email said many recruits misrepresented their physical condition and directed field offices to pre-screen fitness before sending candidates to the academy.
- ICE moved fitness checks earlier in the course, while field directors consider administrative reassignments and have been advised to rescind offers when no suitable roles exist.
- DHS says the high failure rate reflects initial classes only and expects to meet hiring goals by filling 85% of new deportation-officer posts with fast-tracked experienced officers who can self-certify.