Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and special agents receive extensive, law‑enforcement‑style training that covers physical skills, firearms, legal issues, and immigration/customs procedures.

Where ICE Trains

Most basic ICE training happens at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia, at a dedicated ICE Academy complex. This facility has classrooms, computer and electronics labs, and large indoor and outdoor ranges for firearms and tactical exercises.

Basic ICE Training

New ICE hires typically go through around 22 weeks of basic law enforcement training at FLETC. During this period they get technical instruction plus regular physical fitness assessments to ensure they can meet the demands of the job.

Investigator Training

For special agents, a core course is the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), which runs about 56 days. It teaches how to conduct criminal investigations through lectures, labs, exams, and scenario‑based work in small task‑force teams (surveillance, undercover work, warrants, and court testimony).

Key topics in this phase include:

  • Criminal case management and legal training
  • Interviewing techniques and handling physical evidence
  • Surveillance and tactical training
  • Firearms and vehicle handling skills

Enforcement & Removal Training

Officers focused on immigration enforcement and deportation go through a separate program called Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportation Integrated (ICED), previously the Immigration Officer Basic Training Course. This course is designed specifically for new Immigration Enforcement Agents and covers the procedures and legal framework around detention, removal, and related field operations.

Firearms and Ongoing Development

ICE personnel receive basic and advanced firearms training that emphasizes proficient, lawful use of force. A specialized Firearms Division runs multiple advanced firearms programs and courses, many integrated into both basic and advanced law enforcement training tracks.

Beyond initial courses, an Office of Training and Development sets standards, maintains accreditation, and collects data to keep training effective and aligned with ICE’s national‑security mission. This office also supports continuing education and career development to build agents’ skills over time.

TL;DR: ICE training is long, structured, and law‑enforcement‑heavy: physical fitness, firearms, criminal investigations, immigration and deportation procedures, and ongoing professional development all play major roles.