Democracy Dies in DarknessImmigrationA former instructor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement told congressional Democrats the agency has cut “vital classes” from mandatory training for recruits.Updated February 23, 2026Former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement trainer Ryan Schwank speaks during a Monday hearing at the Capitol about ICE policies. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images) and A former instructor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday accused the agency of dramatically slashing training standards for new officers and lying to Congress about it as the Trump administration seeks to rapidly expand its mass deportation operation.