Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Wednesday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will increase training for new officers starting next month [1].

The decision follows criticism that the agency had loosened training standards to rush more officers into the field for deportation operations [1, 2].

Mullin said that the agency is returning to regular standards to ensure personnel are prepared for their duties. Under the new requirements, ICE officers will have to undergo more than 500 hours of training [3].

The policy shift aims to address concerns regarding the quality of oversight, and the readiness of officers deployed in the field. The increased training regimen is scheduled to begin in July 2026 [1, 2].

"We are listening to concerns and will ensure our officers are properly trained before they are deployed," Mullin said [1].

The Secretary's statement on June 3 [2] marks a pivot in how the agency manages its recruitment pipeline. By extending the training window, the department seeks to balance the need for a larger workforce with the necessity of professional standards.

This move comes as the U.S. government continues to scale its deportation efforts, which had previously led to accusations of prioritizing speed over competence [1, 2]. The return to a 500-hour minimum [3] is intended to standardize the qualifications of all incoming agents across the agency.

“ICE officers will have to undergo more than 500 hours of training.”

This policy reversal suggests that the U.S. government is facing internal or external pressure regarding the legality and safety of its deportation tactics. By reinstating a rigorous 500-hour training threshold, the Department of Homeland Security is attempting to mitigate legal risks and operational failures associated with under-trained staff, even if it slows the immediate deployment of new officers.