ICE Attorney Resigns, Alleges Training Scheme Violates Constitution

Whistleblower Details Alleged ICE Training Program Deficiencies

A former Assistant Chief Counsel for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ryan Schwank, has resigned from his position and come forward with serious allegations regarding the agency’s training program. Schwank, who joined ICE on August 1st, 2021, stated he resigned on February 13th, 2026, after witnessing what he described as a deliberate dismantling of vital training components. According to Schwank, 240 hours of essential classes were cut from a 584-hour program. These classes reportedly covered critical areas such as the Constitution, the legal system, firearms training, use of force protocols, lawful arrests, proper detention procedures, and the defined limits of officer authority.

Schwank alleges that the revised training is designed to teach cadets to violate the Constitution, and that he was pressured to remain silent about these changes. “ICE is teaching cadets to violate the Constitution and they were attempting to cloak it in secrecy by demanding that I lie about it,” Schwank stated, as reported by Ken Harbaugh of the Midas Touch Network.

Expert Analysis: A “Shadow Hearing” Exposes Government Malfeasance

Ken Harbaugh, hosting a discussion with Chris Goldsmith, founder of Veterans Fighting Fascism, framed Schwank’s testimony as a pivotal moment, suggesting it could be the start of a larger movement of whistleblowers. “The dam is going to break. It starts like this with a single leak. One brave individual willing to tell the truth,” Harbaugh remarked. He predicted that as more individuals come forward, compelled by conscience or the potential for consequences, these “shadow hearings” could evolve into official legislative inquiries once Democrats regain control of the House.

Goldsmith described Schwank’s testimony as “extremely devastating.” He elaborated on the nature of the hearings, noting that they are not official oversight committee meetings because, in his view, Republicans are unwilling to address the issues. “The Republicans do not want to hear this. So they are not holding proper oversight committee hearings. Instead that the Democrats are having to reserve rooms, basically get C-SPAN to to record what is officially, you know, a meeting, not a full hearing, because that’s the only way that Americans are going to hear the truth,” Goldsmith explained.

The Information Ecosystem and Political Complicity

The conversation delved into the political landscape, with Harbaugh questioning the motivations of Republican members of Congress. “I’m trying to get inside the head of a Republican member of Congress now to to understand what they think this is going to lead to. I mean, they are underwater in every poll on this. November is going to turn into a massive tsunami. Who are they answering to? It’s clearly not the American people,” Harbaugh stated.

Goldsmith attributed this disconnect to an “information ecosystem” that insulates politicians from criticism. He characterized this phenomenon as a tactic honed by Donald Trump: “if you just yell louder, the problems seem to just roll off of your back.” He further suggested that many Republicans are banking on Trump’s continued influence for their own benefit, but warned that the upcoming elections could deliver a significant blow to the party.

“I think that next year when whistleblower protections are are held uh you know, up by the majority of Democrats in in office. I think that we’re going to be seeing a lot more testimonies like this.”

Chris Goldsmith

Encouraging Further Whistleblowing and Protecting Sources

Both Harbaugh and Goldsmith urged current ICE and CBP agents to consider coming forward. Harbaugh emphasized the importance of upholding their oath to the Constitution. “If you ever took your oath to the Constitution seriously, uphold it now. Tell the truth,” he implored.

Harbaugh also provided guidance on whistleblower protections, noting that they cover communications with members of Congress, with the exception of certain intelligence community protocols. He advised agents to start by contacting Democratic members of Congress, expressing distrust in the Republican party’s current stance. “You can begin now to to blow the whistle on what you know is wrong, what you know are violations of the rights of Americans that you swore to support and defend, that you swore to uphold,” he stated.

The Impact of Misinformation on Law Enforcement Perception

Goldsmith elaborated on the “information ecosystem” he described earlier, particularly its influence on the perception of ICE operations. He argued that the right-wing media landscape fosters a belief among supporters that ICE is primarily combating dangerous cartels, rather than enforcing civil law. “The Trump information ecosystem believes that ICE is not going out and and stealing moms out of minivans as they’re waiting for their kids outside of elementary schools. They think that they’re fighting cartels. They they really truly believe that the only people getting arrested are the worst of the worst,” Goldsmith explained.

He contrasted this with the reality, stating that the majority of individuals apprehended by ICE do not have criminal histories and are contributing members of society. Goldsmith argued that the current approach is destructive, making communities less safe and economically vulnerable. He cited the example of masked ICE agents, which he compared to cartel members in a controversial tweet by a Republican senator, as a practice that erodes public trust and fosters fear.

Looking Ahead: Accountability and Democratic Oversight

The discussion concluded with a call for greater accountability and a hopeful outlook for the future, contingent on democratic processes. Goldsmith expressed optimism that with strengthened whistleblower protections and a change in political power, more individuals will feel empowered to expose wrongdoing within government agencies. The events described by Ryan Schwank highlight a critical juncture for ICE and the broader immigration system, raising urgent questions about training standards, constitutional adherence, and the integrity of law enforcement practices. The coming months, especially leading up to the November elections, will be crucial in determining whether these allegations lead to substantive reform and increased transparency.

Source: Trump ICE Insider BLOWS WHISTLE on TRAINING SCHEME (YouTube)