ICE agent earning $200K says he’d work for ‘free’ because he loves his job

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and protesters in Minnesota are locked in one of the most hostile standoffs seen since the shooting of Renee Nicole Good. Since the incident, social media has been flooded with videos.

These include protest clips, confrontations, and emotional exchanges shared widely on X (formerly Twitter). One video, in particular, is now drawing intense attention. It features only an ICE agent. The unidentified agent is heard talking about his job and how much he enjoys it. He goes on to say he would do the work “for free” if given the chance. 

As protests continue over the shooting, the clip has poured more fuel onto an already volatile situation. Previously, the Trump administration deployed around 2,000 ICE agents to the area. Now, Kristi Noem has stated that “hundreds more” were sent in response to the hostile situation. 

Viral clip shows heated exchange between ICE agent and protestors

A 48-second video shared on X on Tuesday, January 13 by the account @KimKatieUSA has quickly spread online. The clip shows an ICE agent wearing a full police ICE chest plate, a black mask, and black sunglasses, speaking with a woman, while a man’s voice can also be heard in the background.

The exchange between them was tense. It begins with the ICE agent saying, “I don't care what they told you if you guys get in my way. I will arrest you.” In response, the man says, “Sir, we're just observing. Please calm me. Okay?” The agent replies coolly, “you can observe all you want.” The woman then says, “I am observing. Did you see me in the way? I am back.”

The man then taunts him, saying, “You got anger issues as a kid, didn't you? Were your parents present? You should be ashamed of yourself, man.” The woman adds, “He is.”

At this point, the agent seems triggered and replies, “I love my job, thank you.” The man questions him, “you love your job?” The ICE agent continues, “Can't believe I get paid for this. I did do this for free.” The woman then says, “Really? I get $200k. I’m a physician assistant.”

The agent asks, “How long did you go to school for that?” She answers, “Over 7 Years.” The ICE agent quickly responds, “I went to high school and I make $200K.”

Kristi Noem announces more federal deployments to Minnesota

Kristi Noem said federal authorities will send hundreds more officers to Minnesota as nationwide protests continue over the fatal shooting.

Speaking on Fox News’ 'Sunday Morning Futures,' she stated, “We’re sending more officers today, and tomorrow they’ll arrive. There will be hundreds more in order to allow our ICE and our Border Patrol individuals that are working in Minneapolis to do so safely.”

The fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good has heightened tensions in Minneapolis and across the country, drawing intense criticism and scrutiny of the federal response.