ICE Implements New Dress Code for Deportation Agents

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has implemented a new ICE dress code for deportation agents, requiring officers to be easily identifiable during immigration enforcement operations.

The policy was first reported by The Intercept, which obtained an internal memorandum whose authenticity was later confirmed by agency officials.

Official Uniforms and Visible Identification Required

The memorandum, signed by Acting ICE Director David Venturella, states that agents must wear official uniforms while conducting field operations.

The new requirements include:

Khaki or brown tactical pants.

Official ICE polo shirt.

Ballistic vest during high-visibility operations.

Clearly visible badge or identification during arrests.

The memorandum also prohibits agents from wearing jeans, hooded sweatshirts, collarless T-shirts, or clothing with graphic prints while conducting enforcement operations.

ICE Introduced the Policy After Several Incidents

ICE Implements New Dress Code for Deportation Agents – Photo: Shutterstock

According to the report, the decision follows several incidents that prompted criticism of immigration enforcement practices, including two fatal shootings and an attempted arrest at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Video footage from the Las Vegas operation showed several agents wearing casual clothing and without clearly displaying identification, leading to criticism over the transparency of the enforcement action.

ICE Aims to Strengthen Public Confidence

ICE Implements New Dress Code for Deportation Agents – Photo: Shutterstock

Officials cited by The Intercept believe the new protocol could mark the beginning of a broader transformation within ICE, with a greater emphasis on officers wearing standardized uniforms and clearly visible identification during field operations.

Nick Wilson, Senior Director of Public Safety Policy at the Center for American Progress, said that requiring visible uniforms represents a positive step.

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“Law enforcement without identification is dangerous, instills fear, and erodes public trust,” Wilson said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the Las Vegas operation did not result in an arrest because a group of people surrounded the agents, who withdrew from the scene for safety reasons.

With these new rules, ICE aims to standardize the appearance of its agents and reduce controversies stemming from enforcement operations in which officers were not clearly identifiable.