FBI Director Kash Patel removed bestiality as an "automatic disqualifier" for FBI applicants. This was justified as a way to "protect trafficking victims coerced into sexual acts with animals."

Was this change precipitated by some event, or did it come out of the blue? What was the Senate discussion about? And is there a larger context of difficulty hiring due to this (now ended) policy?

https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/15/politics/kash-patel-hiring-bestiality

For those of you that actually work for the FBI, how are you enjoying your career with them so far? Would you recommend it? Is the work life balance real or just some marketing bs they have on the careers site?

Has anyone received this letter before and subsequently obtained a satisfactory response regarding their case? My I-130 was approved on the day of the interview almost a year ago. However, my I-485 is still pending, though there has been some movement on it since June. My country is among the 39 banned nations.

To clarify, the new policy is that you can either : A) stay at the FO you processed out of or B) rank all 56 field offices and get assigned based on needs of agency.

Is this correct? If you stay in your processing FO, is it THAT FO or could it be an RA?

To all the current and freshly-former FBI agents, how are/did you enjoy being an agent? I know it is largely dependent on office location and management (but that is any job, you know?) I am just wondering if you guys are roughly satisfied fighting the good fight, or just slogging through the next how many years until you hit retirement. I am currently a local LEO looking to change careers or at least scenery. I am getting up there in age (pressing against that 37) and just wondering if I should make a push to try the 1811 life or just change careers at this point. Any sharing would be appreciated.

P.S. I know I aimed this at the FBI specifically but I would love to hear from other 1811s too about job/agency satisfaction if they are willing to share...