ICE, abuse, Immigration Customs Enforcement, report

by Mitti Hicks

February 12, 2026

Damning Report Exposes Viral Pattern Of Criminal Abuse And Misconduct Within ICE Ranks

At least two dozen ICE employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020. Their arrests include physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and abuse of authority.

A new review found that the recent arrests of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents show an alarming pattern of misconduct and abuse that could be on the rise. The review by The Associated Press found that at least two dozen ICE employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020. Their arrests include physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and abuse of authority.

Some experts are now sounding the alarm that these incidents could increase as the Trump administration has emboldened the actions of agents while arguing that they have “absolute immunity.” One concern among law enforcement leaders is whether job applicants receive sufficient vetting and training before being assigned to field operations.

“Once a person is hired, brought on, goes through the training, and they are not the right person, it is difficult to get rid of them, and there will be a price to be paid later down the road by everyone,” Gil Kerlikowske, former commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, told the AP.

High Profile Cases of Arrests of ICE Agents

The AP review found that while there are bad employees and crimes related to domestic violence and substance abuse in many law enforcement agencies countrywide, ICE’s rapid growth and their task of deporting millions are unprecedented and leave agents with immense power over vulnerable communities.

So far, at least 17 ICE employees and contractors have been convicted since 2020. Six others are awaiting trial, and nine employees have been charged in the last year.

Some of the most high-profile cases include:

In December, an ICE contractor pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a detainee at a detention facility in Louisiana. Prosecutors said the man had sexual encounters with a Nicaraguan national over the course of five months in 2025 and instructed other detainees to act as lookouts.
20-year ICE veteran Samuel Strangle was arrested in Cincinnati this past December on charges related to attempting to strangle his girlfriend. His record shows that he abused the woman for years, fracturing her hip, nose, and causing internal bleeding.
41-year-old Alexander Back was arrested during a sting as he tried to meet with what he believed was a 17-year-old prostitute. He pleaded not guilty to attempted enticement of a minor. He is currently on administrative leave.
An ICE officer in Florida was stopped for driving drunk with his two children in the car. He tried to avoid the charges by pointing to his law enforcement and military service. When that failed, he demanded to know whether one of the deputies arresting him was Haitian, then threatened to check his immigration status, the deputy’s body camera shows.

In response to the review, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that wrongdoing was not widespread within the agency and that the department “takes allegations of misconduct by its employees extremely seriously.”

Class In Session For BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Town Hall On HBCUs Shaping Corporate America

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 12, 2026

Class In Session For BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Town Hall On HBCUs Shaping Corporate America

The town hall will amplify the role HBCUs play in job recruitment for corporate America.

A new HBCU town hall will dissect the roles these schools can play in shaping corporate America.

The live discussion, “HBCU Town Hall: How HBCUs Create the Best & the Brightest,” will take place 12 p.m. EST, Feb. 12, on BLACKENTERPRISE.COM, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

Presented by Toyota, the virtual event will focus on the collaborative relationship between these institutions and corporate entities to ensure a diverse job market. Given the rapidly evolving workforce, the town hall will share insights from industry leaders on how HBCUs can help scholars get a leg up in their post-graduate corporate careers.

Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, will lead a discussion with fellow speakers Charmin Spencer, senior manager of Toyota North America, and Alan Williams, general manager of Customer Campaigns & Compliance for the car manufacturer.

Alongside these esteemed panelists, Johnson C. Smith University President, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, will join the session to highlight HBCUs’ versatility. Together, they will engage in a crucial conversation regarding the future of diverse talent pipelines and how HBCUs can sustain these opportunities.

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The discussion will dissect how HBCUs can further support Black scholars as they navigate careers in corporate spaces. The speakers will also explore corporate recruitment and retention of HBCU graduates, as well as how increased HBCU enrollment can impact the evolving workforce.

Especially in the age of artificial intelligence, the speakers will discuss how advanced technologies continue to reshape the job market. They will also offer guidance on how early-career professionals can use AI to their advantage. Furthermore, their conversation will emphasize the necessity of corporate investments into internship and job training, especially at these institutions.

At a time when emerging Black professionals are at risk of falling to the margins of the corporate talent pipeline, this town hall aims to address these concerns and point to HBCUs as viable solutions. With more Black scholars flocking to these storied institutions, this town hall will remind corporate giants and educators of the power of an HBCU education.

Attendees can enroll in this informative town hall now.

'Am I the Drama?', Cardi B, Guinness Record, Drone Album Deliveries

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 12, 2026

Go Bardi! Cardi B Launches New ‘Bronx Born’ Haircare Brand, Grow-Good Beauty

The haircare line is all about hair growth and length retention.

Cardi B is expanding her entrepreneurial bag, with her latest business focused on booty-length hair.

The Bronx rapper may be known for her vibrant looks and provocative lyrics, but the former reality star is also an avid business investor. Now, she is stepping into the haircare ring with Grow-Good Beauty. The “Bronx Born” haircare line is all about growing one’s hair length.

Cardi B finally shared news of the project Feb. 11, showcasing a snippet of its yearslong process on Instagram. Getting back to her own roots, she let fans in on her real self, Belcalis, and how she developed the brand based on her own hair journey.

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“This is Belcalis, mother of four, walking down the block, being the baddest b*tch,” she says in the video voiceover. “I’m very passionate about this, and I really love this sh*t.”

The devoted mother also spoke about cultivating her own self-love, especially when it comes to her tresses. She has grown to love her hair after years of childhood discontent. Now, she wants others to feel confident in their natural beauty too.

“When I was younger, I really used to hate my hair. Now that I’m older, I grew to love it, appreciate it… It’s really a part of me,” she added.

In this major hair era, Cardi wants all Bardi Gang members to achieve their hair’s fullest and longest potential. As Grow-Good aims to “[upgrade] the classics with the latest science” for its products, the entrepreneur wants to prove that any length is possible.

“We want b*tches’ hair to grow!” she exclaimed in the clip.

Fans have long pondered the secret to Cardi’s beautiful long locks, a feature she has not shied away from posting about over the years. However, those interested will have to wait a little while longer. What exactly the “Pretty & Petty” rapper has cooked up for Grow-Good Beauty remains under headwraps for now.

Now, Cardi joins the ranks of other Black female powerhouses joining the haircare industry, such as Beyoncé with Cécred and Rihanna with Fenty Hair.

Despite no official release date yet, the news comes at a busy time for the Grammy winner. In the midst of the announcement, the mother of four has been at work preparing for her Little Miss Drama tour to accompany her 2025 LP, “Am I The Drama?”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 12, 2026

November 9 Trial Date Set For Migos Rapper’s Alleged Killer

Patrick Xavier Clark, AKA DJ Pat is accused of killing Takeoff on Nov. 1, 2022

Patrick Xavier Clark, the man accused of killing Migos member Takeoff, has been given a trial date, according to the suspect’s attorney.

According to Click2Houston, the 36-year-old will stand trial for his alleged role in the killing of Takeoff, nee Kirsnick Khari Ball, in 2022. Clark’s attorney, Letitia Quinones-Hollins, confirmed the trial date is set for Nov. 9. Jury selection will convene Nov. 5.

The incident took place at 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston at approximately 2:40 a.m., Nov. 1. Takeoff was there with his Migos bandmate, Quavo, as they were in Houston celebrating the birthday of Jas Prince, son of legendary Rap-A-Lot Records owner, J. Prince.

A video allegedly captures Clark pointing and then firing a gun at several people. Takeoff and two other people were hit by bullets, although the video does not show the actual shooting. Investigators disclosed that they found Clark’s fingerprints on a wine bottle that was left at the scene. Takeoff died at the scene, while the other two people who were shot were taken to the hospital in private vehicles. Both survived the shooting.

Joshua “Wash” Washington, Quavo’s assistant, and a 24-year-old woman were identified as the people shot.

Clark, a local Houston DJ known as DJ Pat, was arrested on Dec. 1, 2022, and charged with the crime. Prosecutors revealed during a hearing, according to ABC13 News, that he had applied for an emergency passport before the arrest. Authorities also stated that Clark had a large amount of cash when he was apprehended. Papers he filed for an expedited passport were also on his person, and the DJ had a flight booked to Mexico.

At the time of his arrest, his attorney provided a statement to the media outlet, asserting that Clark is innocent of the charges.

“There is a lot of investigation that needs to be done,” Quinones-Hollins said. “So, we just ask that everyone keep an open mind and let the system do its part and let the Constitution do its part, and that is, right now he’s innocent until he’s proven guilty.”

by Mitti Hicks

February 12, 2026

Check’s Not In The Mail: ICE Agents Face Reality After Swallowing Trump’s $50K Bonus Bait

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received more than 220,000 applicants and hired more than 12,000 agents so far.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are airing some of their internal grievances on Reddit. Many of them are accusing the agency of failing to honor its promise of a $50,000 sign-up bonus and of working without paychecks or health insurance.

The International Business Times (IBT) UK was the first to report the backlash from within. The outlet reported that despite the agency’s historic recruitment drive that added 12,000 agents to its force, employees are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families.

“Been here for about two months, still waiting for my health insurance … is anyone having that issue as well?” one recruit complained on Reddit. “I chose BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) Basic. MSS (Medical Support Systems) told me they don’t know how long it will take, and I have a sick daughter with no insurance.”

Another person complained, “Mannnnn, Monday is 4 weeks since I started, and I haven’t been paid yet.”

Trump Administration Promises To New ICE Agents

President Donald Trump promised immigration reform and mass deportation during his reelection campaign. To make good on his campaign promises, the administration rushed to add 10,000 new immigration agents during the first year of his second term. The administration promised generous benefits and hiring bonuses, including a $50,000 sign-up incentive for new recruits.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received more than 220,000 applicants and hired more than 12,000 agents, according to Raw Story. In addition to the sign-up bonus, DHS officials promised prospective ICE applicants a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that included a salary range of $51,000-$84,000, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and a retirement plan under the Federal Employees Retirement System.

A Thrift Savings Plan similar to a 401(k), paid leave, and federal holidays, and student loan repayment incentives of up to $60,000, and retention bonuses were also a part of the benefits package.

Despite these promises, many new recruits posted on Reddit that they have yet to receive these benefits.

Winnie Harlow, CEO CLUB, Serena Williams

by Jameelah Mullen

February 12, 2026

Inside ’The CEO Club’: Winnie Harlow And Cast Discuss Sisterhood And Business

The CEO Club, a new Amazon Prime docuseries featuring Serena Williams, Winnie Harlow, and five other entrepreneurs, follows the group as they grow their businesses and handle the pressures of running women-led empires.

The series offers a refreshing take on women’s relationships, emphasizing solidarity as they navigate the business world while juggling romance and friendship. In contrast to many reality shows that center on conflict between women, it leans into a more supportive friendship dynamic. Williams also serves as the show’s executive producer.

“As an executive producer, I’ve had so much fun helping bring this series to life. Celebrating the brilliance, ambition, and sisterhood of women I admire and call friends has been incredibly special,” Williams told People.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with some of the show’s stars to give fans a sneak peek of what to expect in the inaugural season.

Model, beauty influencer, and entrepreneur Winnie Harlow stars in the show, where she showcases her beauty brand, Cay Skin, which launched in 2022.

The model says the inspiration to launch the brand came after a 2019 photo shoot in the Bahamas. Photographers asked her to remove her sunscreen to avoid the white cast that traditional mineral formulas can leave on darker skin tones. Harlow, who has vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that causes loss of melanin and results in white patches on the skin, suffered a severe sunburn and inflammation, requiring injections to manage the pain. The incident led the model to create inclusive, high-quality SPF protection suitable for all skin types.

Harlow emphasized that she was intentional about creating a brand women of color could truly trust, particularly in an industry that has long overlooked their specific skincare needs.

Harlow says she joined the series because she was already close friends with many of her co‑stars. When producers approached her, and she learned who else would be involved, the decision felt like a natural fit.

The businesswoman is no stranger to reality TV; the supermodel, who starred in Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model in 2014, says this experience is different because she has evolved both personally and professionally.

The 31-year-old says that the platform has been “incredible” for her because it not only lets her showcase her life outside of modeling but also proves that women can support and uplift each other through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

“It’s not always going to go right,” Winnie says, recalling a labeling hiccup with her Cay Beauty brand. The docuseries follows the model as she navigates the challenge and relies on her castmates’ support.

Adding to her impressive repertoire, the star wrote a children’s book, Simply Winnie. Inspired by her childhood, the model aims to help girls stand confidently in their own skin and recognize that beauty comes in many forms. The book is scheduled to hit shelves in June 2026.

Hannah Bronfman is a DJ, fitness influencer, and angel investor who says she is accustomed to sharing her personal life with the public. The 38-year-old shared her journey with her 1.5 million Instagram followers as she and her husband faced challenges conceiving. Bronfman explains that the move to TV felt like a natural progression for her. Her fertility journey is also what inspired her to invest in health and wellness brands.

In 2024, Bronfrman founded Conteur Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in Black- and minority-women-led health and wellness brands. In the debut season of The CEO Club, Bronfman will take viewers along as she and her business partner work to attract investors to turn her dreams of supporting the next changemakers into reality.

Hanna points out that entrepreneurship and philanthropy are in her DNA. She is the great-granddaughter of Samuel Bronfman, the founder of Seagram’s company. Her father, Edgar Bronfman, a former Seagram’s CEO, married her mother, actress and philanthropist Sherry Brewer, in 1979.

The heiress acknowledges her family’s wealth, but she emphasizes that nepotism didn’t shape her success.

“I didn’t get here by relying on the handouts of others,” the entrepreneur tells BE.

She says that while she aims to live up to her family name, she aims to redefine it on her own terms.

“I am a new generation of Bronfman, I am a Black Bronfman,” the mother of two says.

The CEO Club premieres Fe.b 23, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video.

RELATED CONTENT: Women Of Power 2026

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 12, 2026

Cardi B’s Super Bowl Cameo Triggers Betting Dispute And Federal Complaint

Does Cardi B's cameo during Bad Bunny's halftime show counts as a performance?

Cardi B’s brief on-screen appearance dancing during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show has sparked a major dispute in the online prediction-betting world.

A formal complaint filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) centers on confusion over Cardi B’s role in the halftime show, whether she actually performed or if her brief dancing appearance counted at all, The Independent reports. The uncertainty left major prediction-betting platforms Kalshi and Polymarket scrambling to decide how to settle millions of dollars in wagers.

More than $47.3 million was wagered on Kalshi’s “Who will perform at the Big Game?” market, where contracts are priced between $0 and $1 to reflect traders’ views on the likelihood of an outcome. These prediction markets operate through simple yes-or-no event contracts, with prices fluctuating based on what participants are willing to pay, a signal of how probable they believe an event is.

While Cardi B joined singers Karol G and Young Miko, along with actors Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal, dancing on a “starry front porch” during the halftime show, full musical sets by Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga blurred the line over whether Cardi’s non-singing appearance qualified as an actual performance.

Citing “ambiguity” over whether Cardi B’s halftime appearance qualified as a performance, Kalshi froze trading and refunded users at the last settled price. Polymarket, which saw more than $10 million in contract volume, took the opposite approach, ruling that Cardi B did perform, a decision that has sparked pushback from traders. A final resolution is expected on Feb. 11.

However, a trader who backed a “Yes” outcome on Kalshi has filed a complaint with the CFTC, alleging the platform violated the Commodity Exchange Act in how it settled the Cardi B contract and is seeking $3,700 in damages.

Despite the controversy, Super Bowl Sunday proved hugely profitable for betting platforms. Kalshi reported a record-breaking $1 billion in total trading volume, a more than 2,700% jump from last year.

Black History Month, Permission slip, parents, Florida, students

by Kandiss Edwards

February 12, 2026

Black History Will Be Live 365 In All Colorado Public Schools by 2028

The law builds on existing state standards and aims to ensure students learn more about the contributions and experiences of African Americans.

A new Colorado law will expand Black history studies in K-12 public schools across the state within two years.

In 2025, Gov. Jared Polis signed the legislation requiring Colorado public schools to incorporate more comprehensive Black history education into their curriculum. CBS Colorado reported that the law builds on existing state standards and aims to ensure students learn more about the contributions and experiences of African Americans.

House Bill 25-1149 addresses gaps in how history has traditionally been taught. Expanding the curriculum ensures students receive a fuller understanding of American history and the role Black Americans have played in shaping it. “We know our story is not just confined to just 28 days,” Michael Atkins, director of Black student success at Denver Public Schools, said. “This bill will allow the opportunity for us to embrace the black experience, 365 days a year.”

Atkins is confident that the updated curriculum will benefit all students.

“African Americans have really contributed to our current state of living,” he said. “That needs to be heard, taught, and observed to our most precious asset, which is our babies.”

The legislation requires the Colorado Department of Education to update standards so that Black history is more fully integrated into lessons at multiple grade levels. The changes are expected to affect social studies instruction statewide. School districts have until 2028 to update curriculum to reflect the new law’s requirements.

Lawmakers who backed the bill said the measure promotes historical accuracy and inclusivity. Colorado joins other states that have taken legislative action to make sure American history education is present in whole. According to EducationWeek, other states have introduced bills to facilitate the teaching of some form of Black history, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Florida, Illinois, and Maine.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 12, 2026

5 Black South Carolina Teens Make Local Boy Scout History

The teen scouts, based in Orangeburg, were recently recognized after earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

A group of South Carolina teenagers has made history as the largest class of Black Eagle Scouts in the state.

The teen scouts from Orangeburg were recently recognized after earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The designation is the highest achievement in Scouts BSA. The milestone represents the largest group of African American Eagle Scouts inducted together in South Carolina. The five members of Scouting America Troops 500 and 190 rose in ranks at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Trinity United Methodist Church.

To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, candidates must complete required merit badges, serve in leadership roles, and complete a community service project that benefits others. Willie Townes, Derwin Brailey, Khamary Cleckley, Sean Nimmons, and Melvin Hart fulfilled those requirements, earning 21 merit badges, News19 reported.

Family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and historical achievement. The accomplishment reflects years of dedication by the teen scouts. Townes says the accomplishment is “surreal” as the pandemic proved a significant “roadblock” to completion.

The recognition ceremony highlighted the scouts’ dedication to completing the rigorous process required to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Each candidate was required to demonstrate leadership within their troop and carry out a service project benefiting the community. Cleckley would like to continue working with the program to support younger scouts.

“I plan to come back and help with the young people, and we have other Eagle Scouts, so I was to come back and help the younger generation,” he told News19.

Ascending to the top ranks of the scouts denotes a sustained effort on behalf of the teens, their immediate support systems, and mentorship. As less than 10% of Eagle Scouts are Black, the accomplishment is significant. Hart acknowledged his accomplishment and the weight it carries.

“This means a whole lot to me. Not a lot of individuals get to achieve this rank,” Hart said. “It’s a very small percent, and being amongst the few, especially being young Black men, it holds a lot.”

The teens’ new rank represents a significant moment for Orangeburg and for scouting in South Carolina, setting a new benchmark within the state for African American participation at the highest level of Scouts BSA.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 12, 2026

Angel Reese Joins Undefeated’s Rose BC For Final Playoff Push

Reese was named the 3-on-3 league's Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.

After winning a championship with Rose BC in Unrivaled’s inaugural season, Angel Reese has recovered from an injury and will return to the full court 3-on-3 league.

According to CBS News, the center will play the rest of the current season with Rose BC, starting Feb. 20 against Hive BC. Reese was not expected to play this season, but the surprise announcement brings a boost to the team and the league, now in its second season.

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Rose BC is currently 5-6 and sits in fifth place, with three games remaining in the season. They are positioned to make the playoffs, which takes the top six teams in the eight-team league.

Although Rose BC took the top prize last season, without Reese, they’ve been an average team. After Rose BC traded Azurá Stevens to Hive BC, the move created a roster spot, which is being used to bring back the current Chicago Sky star.

Last season, Reese was named the Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 13.3 points, a league-leading 12.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, shooting 46.9%. The team ended the regular season 8-6, good enough for the league’s second-best record.

Even though a hand injury ket Reese out of the playoffs,the team defeated Lace BC and Vinyl BC to win the league’s inaugural championship.

This season’s playoffs are slated to start Feb. 28. Rose BC’s schedule is:

Feb. 20 vs. Hive BC, 8:45 p.m. ET—TNT/truTV/HBO Max
Feb. 22 vs. Laces BC, 8:45 p.m. ET—TNT/truTV/HBO Max
Feb. 27 vs. Phantom BC, 1 p.m. ET— truTV/HBO Max

Reese ended the WNBA season last year with a back injury and was suspended by the Sky for public comments that were detrimental to the team. She also had to sit out a game after earning too many technical fouls during the 2025 season.