ICE OFFICER FACES ALLEGATIONS OF EXCESSIVE FORCE BUT RETURNED TO DUTY AMID ONGOING INVESTIGATION. (PHOTO).

 ICE officer faces allegations of excessive force but returned to duty amid ongoing investigation

In less than 72 hours, ICE officer Victor Mojica went from being placed on administrative leave to returning to active duty, raising questions about the agency’s handling of misconduct investigations.

In September, footage captured Mojica roughly pushing a woman down a hallway and onto the floor at a New York immigration court. The video quickly circulated online, prompting the Homeland Security Department to publicly place him on administrative leave—a rare move. By the following Monday, Mojica was back on the job, despite the agency’s internal watchdog, the DHS Office of Inspector General, still reviewing the incident. Nearly two months later, the OIG determined the incident did not warrant a criminal investigation.

Critics argue the case highlights potential gaps in DHS oversight. Former ICE chief of staff Jason Houser called it a reflection of broader systemic issues and said the quick reinstatement contributes to negative public perceptions of the agency. DHS has not provided further explanation for why Mojica returned to duty while the review was ongoing.

At the time of the suspension, DHS condemned Mojica’s behavior. Assistant Secretary of Media Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said, “The officer's conduct in this video is unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE… Our ICE law enforcement officers are held to the highest professional standards, and this officer is being relieved of current duties as we conduct a full investigation.”

Mojica’s return to full duty just days later came without public explanation, and the move was highlighted on social media by Trump advisers, including Stephen Miller. Questions about the agency’s disciplinary processes have persisted, with Rep. Dan Goldman pressing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for details. Noem’s written response emphasized that internal review mechanisms were followed, but offered limited specifics, leaving many questions unanswered.

Experts say the incident also underscores longstanding concerns about DHS disciplinary procedures. Internal reviews during the Biden administration found that ICE did not always follow its own policies when disciplining senior officials. Rapid staffing increases and political pressure to enforce immigration policies could exacerbate gaps in oversight, former officials say.

Darius Reeves, a former ICE field director, noted that internal reviews through the Office of Professional Responsibility are typical, especially when no criminal charges are involved. Still, both Reeves and Houser emphasized the importance of transparent and thorough investigations, conducted independently of political influence, to maintain professionalism and public trust in the agency.