ICE agents have responded to growing criticism of their role in enforcing immigration laws, particularly under the Trump administration. In a rare on-camera interview with Fox News, four agents—identified only as Paul, Andres, Celina, and Daniel for safety reasons—shared the personal risks and professional challenges they face daily.
Paul explained that many agents feel unsafe even in their own neighborhoods. He said some officers keep their job secret from their communities and families because of potential backlash. “There are officers who have been attacked,” he said, adding that many wear the metaphorical “mask” of silence as a layer of security. He also clarified that many agents hold other jobs outside law enforcement, such as owning businesses.
The agents stressed that they operate strictly within the law. “We’re enforcing immigration law, administrative law,” Paul said. “We’re not randomly picking up people. There’s a legal process.”
That process includes identifying specific targets for arrest. Andres explained that arrests are planned, not spontaneous. “We know who we’re going to pick up. We don’t just go looking for anybody.”
Celina noted that during operations, officers sometimes encounter others who are also undocumented. If a criminal background check confirms that status, they too may be detained as collateral arrests. “We always vet people for safety,” she said.
The agents also addressed the public perception of detention centers. Andres said detainees are given warm showers, meals, beds, and tablets for communication. He firmly denied the use of cages. “We have no cages in our detention centers. I’ve never seen one,” he stated.
He also confirmed that bond hearings remain part of the legal process. Judges consider several factors such as public safety, flight risk, or existing deportation orders before granting release. “We have not taken away due process,” Andres said.
Despite the tension surrounding their work, all four agents said they are proud of their roles. Daniel emphasized that everyone he knows at ICE stands by their mission. “We’re proud law enforcement officers,” he said. “These are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever met.”
