The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a
former criminal defense attorney who represented accused and convicted
murderers, sex offenders and pedophiles and fought for the release of
violent convicted offenders -- a background some critics say makes him a
less than ideal choice to lead the federal government's
second-largest law enforcement agency.
John Sandweg, 38, who was recently named acting director of ICE,
worked between 2002 and 2009 defending violent criminals in Arizona, and
helping then-governor and current Secretary of Homeland Security Janet
Napolitano raise campaign funds. Critics questioned Sandweg's
credentials, with one calling him “in no way qualified” and his
appointment the latest example of Napolitano's "blatant politicization"
of the agency.
"I am deeply disappointed by this appointment and believe it is
disrespectful to the thousands of dedicated professionals at ICE who are
working tirelessly to enforce our laws and provide for our security,"
said Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, who chairs the House Homeland Security
Appropriations Subcommittee. "I urge the administration to re-think this
appointment and promptly appoint a qualified, confirmable applicant for
this essential post."
A former administration official said news of Sandweg’s installation
as acting director was met with disgust and disbelief within parts of
DHS.
“He has zero law enforcement experience and he [is running] our
country’s second-largest law enforcement agency -- and that’s a real
job, it’s not a figure-head position,” the former official said.