SAVANNAH, Georgia — As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expands its recruitment, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) near Savannah is preparing to train up to 10,000 new officers by the end of the year, according to agency leaders.
Training the Next Generation of ICE Officers
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, himself a 2007 graduate of the program, said the agency is confident in meeting the ambitious hiring target. “We have to be cognizant of who we are hiring, but I think it is an achievable goal,” Lyons told ABC News.
The training pipeline begins with security screenings and background checks. Once cleared, recruits can be deployed in as little as eight weeks. To speed up the process, ICE has cut the in-class Spanish language requirement, instead relying on field software.
Rigorous but Accelerated Training
Caleb Vitello, former acting ICE director and now in charge of FLETC operations, emphasized that quality will not be compromised for quantity. Classes now run six days a week at four sites nationwide, preparing recruits through obstacle courses, tactical drills, and simulations.
Among the programs observed was the Special Operations Team, a 12-person tactical unit trained to serve high-risk warrants and respond to dangerous threats. Every ICE field office has at least one such team.
Officer Safety and Doxxing Concerns
One visible change has been the use of masks by ICE agents. Lyons explained that the move was necessary due to the rise in doxxing — the public release of agents’ personal information online.
“People are trying to identify them and threaten their families,” Lyons said. “It’s totally unacceptable.”
Nationwide Recruitment Push
ICE is also conducting major recruitment drives, including a hiring fair in Arlington, Texas, on August 26–27 at the Esports Stadium. Applicants will undergo medical and drug screenings, as well as physical fitness assessments.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem recently waived age limits for new applicants, expanding eligibility. ICE says the goal is to bring in “patriots” committed to targeting violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, and other high-priority criminal aliens.
Broader Law Enforcement Collaboration
Beyond ICE, the Savannah training facility also serves other federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons, ATF, and TSA, making it a central hub for U.S. federal law enforcement preparation.
