FBI Under Fire for Alleged Inflation of Arrest Stats and Last‑Minute Most Wanted Additions
Insiders allege FBI director Kash Patel inflated arrest counts by counting arrests where agents merely accompanied other agencies (including ICE surges arresting immigrants) and by adding suspects to the Most Wanted list just before captures. Patel touted a record crime reduction in a Senate hearing, while critics question leadership. The FBI denies specifics. Separately, agency attrition is rising, with estimates of about 2,800 agents leaving in the past year, raising staffing concerns.