DHS Conducts Polygraph Tests on Employees to Find ICE Leakers
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently begun administering polygraph tests to its employees as part of an effort to identify potential leakers of sensitive information related to immigration operations.
According to sources familiar with the practice, these tests are being conducted to determine who might be disclosing details about planned operations to the media.
The polygraph testing initiative was first reported by Bloomberg Government. The move comes as DHS seeks to address ongoing concerns about leaks that have allegedly impacted the effectiveness of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
DHS spokespersons have not responded to requests for comment on the matter, leaving details about the scope of the testing unclear.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan have specifically pointed to recent leaks as a reason for the lower-than-expected number of ICE arrests. In particular, they have blamed leaks regarding the cities targeted for ICE operations, claiming that these disclosures have allowed individuals to evade law enforcement efforts.
In a video posted on social media on Friday, Noem stated, “We have identified two leakers of information here at the Department of Homeland Security who have been telling individuals about our operations and putting law enforcement lives in jeopardy. We plan to prosecute these two individuals and hold them accountable for what they’ve done.”
However, it is not clear if these two individuals were identified through the polygraph testing process.
While the exact number of employees being subjected to polygraph tests remains unclear, sources indicate that the tests are being conducted on personnel across various agencies within DHS.
The tests are reportedly focused on uncovering any involvement in leaking classified documents or revealing sensitive law enforcement information related to ICE operations, per Bloomberg Government.
Polygraphs are not a new tool at DHS. They have been used in the past, particularly for screening new hires at agencies such as Customs and Border Protection.
However, the current use of polygraphs marks a shift toward probing existing employees about their involvement in leaking sensitive information. This targeted approach aims to protect law enforcement operations from internal sabotage.
The decision to implement polygraph tests across the department is a direct response to the leaks that have reportedly hindered ICE’s ability to carry out planned enforcement actions.
Noem and Homan have made it clear that they believe these leaks have had a significant impact on the department’s ability to conduct operations effectively, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement.
Sources within DHS have suggested that employees who have been asked to take polygraph tests so far come from different areas of the department. The goal of the polygraphs is not only to identify the individuals responsible for leaking information but also to send a message to the broader DHS workforce that leaks will not be tolerated.
The department’s efforts to crack down on leaks could help bolster its efforts to maintain the integrity of its operations, especially as concerns over national security and immigration enforcement remain high.
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