The problems at Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection driving the current Department of Homeland Security shutdown go much deeper than the disturbing and often violent immigration enforcement tactics being used on a routine basis. Rather, they center on a dysfunctional culture and leadership deficits at the top that are failing the agency, the workforce, and the public.
The warning lights are blinking red. A recent public employee engagement survey undertaken in November and December by my organization, the Partnership for Public Service, found that only 9% of ICE respondents and just 21% of CBP respondents believe their agencies’ political leaders maintain high standards of integrity.
