An incident involving an ICE agent and a protester resulted in the government employee asserting he earns a substantial salary.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is under intense scrutiny amid allegations that the agency has been exceeding its authority in communities across the United States, as President Trump intensifies his immigration crackdown.
A video circulating on social media captures a confrontation between an agent and protesters in a tense exchange.
The footage begins with the agent warning the protesters, stating: “I don’t care what they told you. If you guys get in my way, I will arrest you.”
The individuals filming, a man and a woman, respond by asserting that they are merely observing and intend to continue doing so.
ICE: “I love my job. I can't believe I get paid for this. I’d do this for free.”
PROTESTER: “I get $200k. I’m a physician assistant.”
ICE: “How long did you have to go to school?”
PROTESTER: “7 Years”
ICE: “I only went to high school and I make $200k.”pic.twitter.com/lD1HOi1MJe
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) January 13, 2026
The male protester then asks: “You had anger issues as a kid, were your parents present? You should be ashamed of yourself, man.”
The agent responds by expressing his fondness for his job, stating that he can’t believe he gets paid for it when he would gladly do it for free.
The female protester then interjects, mentioning that she is a physician assistant earning $200k annually, possibly to provoke the agents.
To this, the agent inquires about the duration of her schooling and claims that his earnings match hers.
After the woman reveals she studied for seven years, the agent states: “I went to high school, and I make $200k.”
Reactions on X ranged from skepticism over the protesters’ remarks to doubt about the agent’s claim of earning $200k a year.
Some commented that if officers could indeed earn such amounts, they might consider joining the agency themselves.
The ICE website does not disclose specific salary figures, but under its frequently asked questions section, it outlines several job benefits.
Listed benefits include: “ICE offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, long-term care insurance, retirement plan, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)), flexible spending account, Employee Assistance Program, personal and sick leave days and paid federal holidays.
“Additional benefits may encompass flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, health and wellness programs, and access to fitness centers. ICE is dedicated to employee development and provides various training and developmental opportunities.”