The New Founding Podcast ICE: day-in-the life, recruitment, & the future of deportations – Matthew Elliston | #69
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Sep 30, 2025 Matthew Elliston, Deputy Assistant Director at ICE, shares his 18 years of experience in immigration enforcement. He discusses a typical day for an ICE officer, the complexities of street arrests, and how organized crime differs from other offenders. Elliston recounts a dramatic shootout and the importance of teamwork in the field. He reveals insights into ongoing modernization efforts, including the use of AI, and explains ICE's recruitment strategies and the compelling reasons for young people to join, emphasizing the impactful nature of the work.
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From Big Paycheck To Purpose
- Matthew Elliston left a $300,000 private-sector salary to join ICE and never regretted it.
- He traveled to 49 countries escorting removals and felt daily purpose in public safety.
First Fugitive Case That Stuck
- Elliston recalled his first fugitive-team case: a man who sexually assaulted and killed a dog.
- He tracked and arrested the suspect three days later driven by personal passion and empathy.
Behavior Differences In Criminals
- Violent criminals accustomed to law enforcement often surrender more readily than sex offenders.
- Elliston observed sex offenders resist arrest the hardest despite preying on society's weakest.