United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Misconduct

A review by Associated Press found that at least two dozen United States — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, including patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and other abuses of authority. These incidents occurred amidst the agency's rapid growth, having more than doubled in size to 22,000 employees in less than one year, partly due to a $75 billion allocation from United States. Experts like Gil Kerlikowske and David Bier warn that the immense power exercised by agents over vulnerable populations, coupled with weakened oversight, could lead to an acceleration and broader scope of misconduct, similar to issues previously seen at United States — United States Customs and Border Protection. Specific cases include Machinesmith, an assistant supervisor, jailed for domestic abuse; Alexander Wang, an auditor, arrested for attempted enticement of a minor; Guillermo Diaz-Torres, an officer, arrested for DUI with a government firearm; Scott Deiseroth, an officer, stopped for drunk driving and threatening a deputy's immigration status; and Koby Williams, a supervisor, arrested for attempting to pay for sex with a minor using government resources. Other charges involve bribery and theft of synthetic drugs by United States — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that wrongdoing is not widespread and the agency takes allegations seriously.