Washington, D.C. – Immigration and Customs Enforcement has still not purchased the new translation technology it announced nearly four months ago, despite claiming the tools would replace mandatory Spanish training for new officers. According to DHS officials, the delay raises concerns about escalating communication problems during immigration arrests. The initial report was highlighted by NBC News, which revealed gaps in ICE’s preparation of new recruits.
Promised “Robust Translation Services” Still Missing
In August, ICE publicly stated that it had secured “robust translation services” to accelerate its hiring process and eliminate the five-week Spanish course previously required for new officers. Caleb Vitello, then overseeing training, said the technology would be “so much more efficient” than classroom learning.
However, two DHS officials confirm the agency has not acquired any new translation devices, including the body-worn AI-powered systems under consideration. With neither the Spanish course nor the new tech in place, incoming officers lack essential communication tools during field operations.
Officers Warn of Growing Safety Risks
Officials inside the Department of Homeland Security say the absence of language support creates serious risks during arrests, especially when interacting with immigrants who speak little or no English.
“That puts both the migrant at risk and potentially law enforcement,” said Jason Houser, former ICE chief of staff under the Biden administration.
Multiple encounters between federal agents and migrants have turned violent in recent months. Although the role of language barriers remains unclear, DHS staff warn that inadequate communication significantly increases the chance of escalation.
ICE Defends Ending the Spanish Course
ICE insists that its Spanish language course has been replaced with stronger translation solutions, but the agency has not clarified what tools are actually available to officers in the field.
The agency continues relying on a translation hotline, traditionally used during office processing—not during real-time arrests where immediate communication is critical.
“Language classes, which previously covered only a specific dialect of Spanish, have been replaced with robust translation and interpretation services that apply to multiple languages,” an ICE spokesperson said in a statement.
Local Police Are Already Using the Tech ICE Hasn’t Bought
While ICE has delayed adoption, more than 200 police departments across the U.S. are already using the AI-powered, body-worn translation devices that ICE had explored. These systems can detect up to 50 languages and instantly translate spoken words through integrated body cameras.
In Joliet, Illinois, officers began using the devices in June and have already deployed them in over 1,800 encounters involving 23 languages.
“Seeing people when they know that they’re understood, you see their faces light up,” said Officer Charles Moore, describing the improved trust between police and residents.
Even departments with many bilingual officers see the technology as an essential backup tool.
Lt. Jose Gonzalez in Corpus Christi, Texas, said:
“If you can’t communicate during a traffic stop, you can’t figure out if there are weapons in the car.”
He added that while technology helps, it cannot replace foundational communication skills:
“What if your camera malfunctions? You have to have a foundation to still communicate.”
Experts Say AI Alone Cannot Replace Human Skills
Law enforcement experts say that relying solely on translation devices could weaken community relationships and create more confusion in high-pressure situations.
Cristina Lozano Argüelles, professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, cautioned that Spanish training has deeper value:
“Spanish language training for law enforcement isn’t just about learning vocabulary—it’s about building trust.”
Given that 65 million Latinos live in the U.S., many major police departments still require Spanish proficiency, and the U.S. Border Patrol continues to mandate it for new agents.
Recent Case Highlights the Risks
A recent incident in Washington, D.C., involving Raquel Sanchez and her husband shows how communication gaps can escalate tension. The couple, who speak no English, were stopped by ICE agents who did not speak Spanish.
Recordings from the encounter show Sanchez repeatedly requesting Spanish communication while officers continued shouting questions in English. Both were handcuffed and transported to different facilities. Sanchez was later released with an ankle monitor; her husband was moved to a distant detention center.
ICE said it makes arrests based on probable cause and custody decisions based on individual circumstances.
Future of Translation Technology at ICE Remains Uncertain
Although the Biden administration launched a body-camera pilot program for 1,600 ICE officers, no public progress has been made to expand it. Experts warn that without Spanish training or reliable translation tech, communication failures—and associated risks—will likely worsen.
