Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Time left: ...
Loading...Goal: $500

Fact check: What types of questions are asked during an ICE polygraph exam?

Checked on August 27, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, the Department of Homeland Security has implemented polygraph testing for employees to identify potential leakers of sensitive information [1] [2]. The analyses reveal that every polygraph exam conducted by the department must include questions about unapproved communication with nonprofit groups and media outlets [3].

The polygraph tests specifically focus on asking employees about leaking classified documents or sensitive law enforcement information related to ICE operations [4] [1]. Under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's leadership, there has been a pledge to intensify these lie detector tests to identify personnel who may be sharing information about immigration operations with the media [5].

However, the analyses consistently note that while the general purpose and scope of the polygraph questions are known, the exact specific questions asked during ICE polygraph exams are not detailed in any of the sources [1] [3] [4] [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual elements missing from the original question:

  • Timing and political context: The implementation of these polygraph tests appears to be part of a broader crackdown on leaks during ongoing immigration enforcement operations [2] [5]
  • Scope beyond ICE: The polygraph testing extends to employees "across the agency" at DHS, not just ICE personnel specifically [1]
  • Administrative perspective: From the DHS leadership's viewpoint, these tests are necessary security measures to protect sensitive law enforcement operations from unauthorized disclosure
  • Civil liberties concerns: The analyses don't present potential concerns from employee rights advocates or civil liberties organizations about the use of polygraph testing on federal employees
  • Effectiveness questions: Missing discussion about the reliability and legal admissibility of polygraph results in employment contexts

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it simply asks for factual information about polygraph exam content. However, there are some important limitations:

  • Specificity assumption: The question assumes that detailed information about specific polygraph questions is publicly available, when the analyses show this information is not disclosed in available sources [1] [3] [4] [2]
  • Scope limitation: By focusing solely on "ICE polygraph exams," the question may inadvertently narrow the scope when the actual policy appears to apply more broadly across DHS personnel [1]
  • Context omission: The question lacks the important context that these polygraph tests are specifically designed as leak detection measures rather than routine employment screening [1] [2]
Want to dive deeper?
What is the purpose of a polygraph exam in the ICE hiring process?
Can ICE polygraph exam results be used as evidence in court?
How does the ICE polygraph exam differ from other law enforcement polygraph exams?
What are the consequences of failing an ICE polygraph exam?
Are ICE polygraph exam questions standardized or tailored to individual applicants?