A recent viral discussion thread has sparked renewed scrutiny of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as numerous families of ICE agents have shared alarming stories of personal turmoil and ethical dilemmas. The thread, titled “If you know an ICE agent personally, what’s that relationship like now?” has garnered over 16,000 upvotes and continues to circulate into early 2026. Participants have recounted fractured relationships and troubling allegations linked to ICE’s aggressive hiring practices during the Trump administration’s intensified deportation efforts.
Many contributors expressed concerns about a perceived influx of individuals from far-right extremist circles into the agency. Commenters noted that figures associated with groups like the Proud Boys seemed to vanish from their communities as ICE ramped up recruitment efforts in 2025. One commenter remarked, “All the 2nd Amendment militia and Proud Boy groups magically evaporated when ICE started hiring. It’s not that they changed — they found new employment.” This sentiment was echoed by others who argued that ICE had evolved from a bureaucratic enforcement agency to one driven by ideological motivations, leaving behind those who did not share such views.
While these claims are anecdotal and remain unverified, they align with longstanding concerns about the infiltration of white supremacist ideologies within law enforcement agencies. Federal agencies have historically acknowledged the risk, and publications like The Atlantic have highlighted the overlap between extremist rhetoric and immigration enforcement messaging. Despite the gravity of these allegations, ICE has not publicly addressed them.
The thread also revealed disturbing accounts of alleged abuse of power among ICE personnel. Users speculated about coercive practices affecting detainees, referencing numerous reports of sexual misconduct involving ICE staff. In one exchange, commenters discussed disturbing video footage showing an ICE officer entering a portable toilet with a handcuffed woman. Reports from credible organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch, have documented cases of sexual assault, harassment, and forced labor within ICE detention facilities. One commenter noted, “While the claims were horrifying, they were ‘disturbing but unsurprising,'” highlighting a history of unresolved allegations. Previous Senate investigations have confirmed hundreds of abuse complaints against ICE personnel.
Beyond institutional issues, the discussion thread illuminated the personal toll that working for ICE can take on families. Many users shared stories of familial estrangement and the fallout that ensued after a relative joined the agency. For instance, several Latino families described severing ties with siblings, while immigrant spouses expressed fear of retaliation. One user recounted their experience of being repeatedly stopped by law enforcement and having their home searched after a family member married an ICE agent, stating, “If she could make my life this miserable as a citizen, I can’t imagine what it’s like if you’re poor or undocumented.”
Others described ICE agents facing social isolation, left with few connections outside their workplace after friends and partners distanced themselves. Not all accounts focused on misconduct; some recounted experiences of individuals who briefly joined ICE before resigning. One former Marine stated that enforcement “never resonated” with him and that a medical emergency shifted his perspective. He described leaving ICE as “the best decision I’ve ever made,” later pursuing a career as an EMT.
Another user shared the story of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) veteran who declined a lucrative return offer of over $400,000 (approximately £302,000) in total compensation, citing a conflict with his moral compass.
These confessions surface amid heightened national attention on ICE, particularly following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, 2026. This tragic incident has intensified discussions surrounding immigration enforcement tactics and the accountability of ICE personnel. As the conversation unfolds, the implications for both the agency and the communities it serves continue to be a topic of significant concern and debate.
