Unofficial Forum Reveals Deep-Seated Frustrations Among ICE and CBP Agents Amidst Heightened Public Scrutiny

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Unofficial Forum Reveals Deep-Seated Frustrations Among ICE and CBP Agents Amidst Heightened Public Scrutiny

An clandestine online forum, reportedly frequented by thousands of current and former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, has become a candid platform for agents to voice profound frustrations and concerns. Amidst escalating public outrage and intense scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics, these digital discussions offer a rare glimpse into the morale and operational challenges plaguing federal immigration agencies.

The forum, which describes itself as an “unofficial forum for current Deportation Officers, prospective applicants and retired Deportation Officers to have a platform for discussion,” boasts over 5,000 members. Posts span more than a decade, providing a unique window into the daily realities of working for these agencies. While WIRED has not confirmed the individual identities of these posters, the specific details shared regarding internal workings, hiring and training processes, and duty placements strongly suggest that participants are indeed insiders with intimate knowledge of the profession.

Recurring complaints within the forum include excessive working hours, limited overtime compensation, perceived incompetent leadership, and issues with poorly trained new recruits. One user, expressing frustration with inefficient methods, wrote: “I'm all for removing illegals, but snatching dudes off lawn mowers in Cali and leaving the truck and equipment just sitting there? Definitely not working smarter.” Such comments underscore a growing sentiment that operations are often ill-conceived and lack operational efficiency.

These internal frustrations coincide with a period of unprecedented public scrutiny and anger directed at immigration enforcement agencies. In the wake of violent immigration raids in Minneapolis as part of DHS’s Operation Metro Surge, particularly following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents, forum users have not shied away from expressing their discontent. These external events only amplify the pressure on agents, who find themselves caught between their professional duties and increasing public animosity.

This deteriorating morale was sharply encapsulated in a thread posted on January 19, five days before Pretti was killed, titled, “Ready to resign, had enough stress.” A user, a forum member since September 2015, wrote: “I have 2.3 years left for full special category retirement … but don't know if I'll make it. Tired of this Agency. Employees being abused badly. Mandated TDY's with less than 24 hours notice.” TDY, short for “temporary duty,” involves pulling officers from across the country to cities like Minneapolis for large-scale operations, placing immense strain on their personal and professional lives.

The post continued to detail the impact: “No more weekends off, more work than ever before in 18 years. No more union. No more down time. This is not what any of us envisioned for our last years of career when we are in our 50's.” Thousands of ICE personnel lost union representation in 2022, which had provided protections around overtime pay and other rights, further contributing to a sense of vulnerability and lack of support. The president of the council that represented ICE officers within the American Federation of Government Employees alleged that the union had become “far left,” suggesting deeper divisions.

Echoing the original poster’s complaints, other forum users joined in to voice their concerns about the agency’s direction. Another user, who joined the forum in October 2015, added: “Led by some of the worst leadership I’ve ever witnessed, from the local level all the way up to the national stage, this agency has managed to turn a righteous mission into a complete clown show.” Such comments point to a deep crisis of trust in leadership and an erosion of purpose.

Several users have also complained about the image problem created for ICE as CBP has taken a greater role in immigration enforcement in U.S. cities. A different user, a forum member since May 2017, added: “There was absolutely zero forethought and our Management just rolled over to let BP take over. HUGE mistake, when the nuance of actual targeted enforcement is needed.” This distinction often gets elided, as “ICE” has become a generic descriptor for federal immigration agents. While both ICE and CBP are part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), they are separate entities with distinct missions: CBP focuses on immigration enforcement at the border and ports of entry, while ICE’s mandate allows it to target its operations within the U.S.

These internal complaints largely remain unaddressed publicly by upper management. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not respond to requests for comment, leaving these concerns to fester in clandestine forums, reflecting a broader challenge in communication and morale within the heart of America’s immigration enforcement system.

Ekhbary News Agency