Trump claims ‘ICE’ endorsement. Here’s what he probably meant

(John Moore / Getty Images)

Donald Trump, offering his credentials on immigration and border security in Monday’s debate, said he had won the endorsement of “ICE” -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

That’s not true. A government agency would not endorse a presidential candidate.

Trump is probably referring to the endorsement of the National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council, a union representing 5,000 immigration officers. His campaign announced the backing Monday morning, noting it was the first time the group had endorsed a presidential candidate.

Chris Crane, president of the union, said in a statement released by Trump’s campaign that Hillary Clinton won only 5% of the vote of union members.

Another union representing border agents, the National Border Patrol Council, also endorsed Trump in March -- a decision not without controversy, as Richard Marosi reported.