ICE Acting Director Matthew Albence Retires A Critical Look at His Tenure

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Matthew Albence’s retirement as Acting Director of ICE has sparked mixed reactions from the public. On the one hand, some commend him for his decades of service to the agency and for his efforts to enforce immigration laws. In spite of that, others criticize him for his role in controversial policies that have put immigrants, particularly those seeking asylum, at risk.

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Albence faced intense backlash over ICE’s separation of families at the US-Mexico border. The policy, which was implemented in 2018, resulted in over 2,800 children being taken from their parents, with no clear system in place for reunification. Many argue that Albence’s failure to speak out against this policy indicates a lack of empathy for the harm it caused to families and children.

Moreover, Albence’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has also been heavily criticized. ICE’s detention centers have been hotspots for the virus, with inadequate measures in place to protect detainees. As Acting Director, Albence had a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in ICE custody, a duty he did not fulfill.

Despite these criticisms, it’s worth acknowledging some of Albence’s accomplishments during his tenure as Acting Director. He prioritized training for ICE agents, recognizing the importance of ensuring that they have the skills necessary to carry out their duties effectively. Additionally, ICE reported a record number of deportations in FY2019, a fact that some see as evidence that Albence was successful in his efforts to enforce immigration laws.

However, it’s important to remember that enforcing the law isn’t always synonymous with doing what is right. ICE’s policies under Albence’s leadership have caused immense harm to immigrant communities, and his retirement leaves behind a legacy that is fraught with ethical and moral dilemmas. It’s up to his successor to chart a course forward that takes into account the humanity and dignity of all those affected by ICE’s actions.

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Olivia Wilson: I'm a science writer on a mission to make scientific discoveries accessible to everyone, and that includes exploring the political aspects of scientific research and policy-making.