Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast ICE Takes on New "Flashy, Brazen" Recruitment Approach
Aug 28, 2025
Nick Miroff, a staff writer for The Atlantic specializing in immigration and DHS issues, dives into ICE's radical recruitment overhaul. He details the agency's shift from discreet tactics to bold branding strategies to enhance its public image. Miroff discusses the surge in staffing, driven by a hefty $75 billion budget, aimed at tripling deportation officers while trimming training durations. He raises concerns about the implications for community safety and immigration policy, questioning whether this fear-driven approach truly addresses the needs of those affected.
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Shift From Criminal Focus To Broad Enforcement
- ICE shifted from focusing on criminal aliens to openly targeting people present without authorization.
- Veterans fear aggressive enforcement will provoke backlash and undermine effectiveness.
New Swagger Versus Traditional Low Profile
- The agency adopted a flashy, brazen public image under political appointees, departing from low-profile tactics.
- Career officers had favored plain clothes and discretion to avoid inflaming communities and reducing effectiveness.
Noem Tweeted During A Bronx Raid
- Nick Miroff recounts attending Kristi Noem's Bronx raid where she tweeted during operations, alarming ICE officers.
- He says the administration values optics and political messaging over operational security.