Picture courtesy of Human Rights Watch

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson expressed concern on Friday regarding the recruitment strategies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following two shootings involving immigration authorities, Johnson questioned the current recruitment language, suggesting it indirectly promotes a "great replacement" mindset. He highlighted his worries during an appearance on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe.”

Johnson criticised the phrase "Defend your culture," used in ICE recruitment, suggesting it excludes diverse candidates like Mexican Americans in Texas or Muslim Americans in Michigan. He stated that such language sends a message that deters these communities from applying for law enforcement roles, implying a need for more inclusivity and caution in recruitment practices.

The concerns emerged after two recent shootings: an ICE officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis who was fleeing in her vehicle, and a Border Patrol agent shot two people in Portland, Oregon. The Department of Homeland Security claimed self-defence in both incidents. Vice President Vance commented that the officer involved in the Minneapolis shooting would receive “absolute immunity.”

Johnson called on political leaders to critically assess their rhetoric in these tense situations, referencing Spencer Cox, Utah's governor, in urging leaders to mitigate fears rather than fuel division. His remarks emphasise the value of responsible leadership in maintaining social stability amid rising tensions and scrutiny over law enforcement practices, reported The Hill.

Key Takeaways

• Johnson criticised ICE's "Defend your culture" recruitment for excluding diverse communities.

• Recent ICE-involved shootings in Minneapolis and Portland highlighted these concerns.

• Johnson urged leaders to calm tensions and avoid divisive rhetoric.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from THE HILL 2026-01-12

 

 

with a 50k sign on bonus i dont see any problems with the recruitment process

Are you 18 or over, okay you don't need any law enforcement background, we will give you two weeks of training, and then we'll put you out there in the streets with high caliber weapons and a license to kill. Let's see how they goes.

How does that sound, since you're 18, pumped up with adrenaline and raring to go, that must sound pretty exciting, huh?

8 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Are you 18 or over, okay you don't need any law enforcement background, we will give you two weeks of training, and then we'll put you out there in the streets with high caliber weapons and a license to kill. Let's see how they goes.

How does that sound, since you're 18, pumped up with adrenaline and raring to go, that must sound pretty exciting, huh?

Current ICE training at FLTC is 6 days a week for a period of 8 weeks. Cut to that when the Spanish language part of training was dropped.

Which sounds about the time my training at FLTC was, as my agency did not require the Spanish Language course either.

13 hours ago, radiochaser said:

Current ICE training at FLTC is 6 days a week for a period of 8 weeks. Cut to that when the Spanish language part of training was dropped.

Which sounds about the time my training at FLTC was, as my agency did not require the Spanish Language course either.

Whatever it is it's very obviously not enough.