Fact check: How does the ICE agency evaluate an applicant's physical fitness during the hiring process in 2025?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, ICE evaluates an applicant's physical fitness during the hiring process in 2025 through a mandatory physical fitness test (PFT) that all law enforcement recruits must complete ^[1]. The physical fitness test consists of four timed events: sit-ups, push-ups, sprint, and run ^{[2] [3]}.

The evaluation process includes specific minimum standards for each event, and failing to attain the designated minimum standard for any of the PFT events constitutes failing the entire PFT ^[2]. Recruits, including seniors, must complete these events within certain time limits ^[3]. The physical fitness test is part of a broader screening process that also includes medical screening and drug screening ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about recent policy changes that significantly impact the physical fitness evaluation process. The Trump administration has removed age limits for ICE agent recruits ^[4], which represents a major shift in hiring practices. Previously, applicants had to be generally not yet 37 years old for criminal investigator positions and not yet 40 to become deportation officers ^[4].

This policy change means that seniors and older applicants must now meet the same physical fitness standards as younger recruits ^[3], which raises questions about the appropriateness and feasibility of uniform fitness standards across all age groups. The removal of age restrictions appears to be part of efforts to boost recruitment for Trump deportations ^[5] and help remove the "worst of the worst" from the U.S. ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question does not contain misinformation but lacks crucial context about the timing and political motivations behind current ICE hiring practices. The question fails to acknowledge that the physical fitness evaluation process is occurring within the context of Secretary Noem's initiative to recruit "Patriotic Americans" ^[1] and the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement strategy.

The framing of the question as a neutral inquiry about standard procedures omits the significant policy changes that have altered ICE's hiring landscape, including the controversial decision to eliminate age limits while maintaining the same physical fitness standards for all applicants regardless of age.