‘Where do I sign up?’: ICE agent’s $200K salary with just a high school degree shocks the internet

There was a time when the American administration and its policy decisions used to set an example for democracies across the world. However, in the past few years, both have only shocked people more and more.

Out of everything that Donald Trump's second Presidential term would be known for, it's his brutal crackdown on immigrants by assigning dangerous authority to agents of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It is well known that ICE agents enjoy immense executive powers and protection by the administration.

However, it seems they also enjoy a good paycheck no matter what level of qualification they have and a video going viral on the internet is all the proof.

The viral video

A video shot in Bloomington, Minnesota is going viral all over the internet. Shared on social media platforms such as X and YouTube, the clip showcases an interaction between an ICE officer and a man and a woman.

It begins with the agent warning the two that "if you get in my way, I will arrest you." To this the man can be heard replying, "Sir, we are just observing, calm down," while the woman says, "I am observing. Do you see me in the way? I am back."

The two can be heard poking the ICE agent further asking him if he has "anger issues", if his "parents were present" and pointing out that he should be "ashamed" of himself.

While this might seem like a normal conversation with an ICE agent considering the outrage the agency and the agents are receiving for their brutality, the interesting part of the video is revealed later on.

When the woman points out that the ICE agent is ashamed of his job, he replies, "I love my job. I can't believe I get paid for this. I'd do it for free."

When the woman points out that she gets $200K as a physician's assistant, the ICE agent asks her how long she went to school for in order to get the job.

"Seven years," replies the woman to whom the officer said, "Really? I went to high school and I make $200K."

Netizens react to the viral video

People on the internet were shocked to know the salary of the ICE agent considering his basic educational qualifications.

"Where do I sign up," asked a person on YouTube.

"this is exactly why the system is broken when mindless muscle gets paid the same as medicine" condemned another on X.

"Yeah I don’t think this is the flex you think it is. We have high school educated people roaming the streets with f*****g guns. Yikes." added one.

"wow I should apply to ICE lmao" pondered another.

"$200k to be ICE?? Sign me up!" wrote a social media user.

How much do ICE agents earn?

As per a July 2025 report by the New York Post, top recruits for ICE are provided $50,000 signing bonuses and six-figure salaries. New recruits are offered an amount between $50,000-$90,000 per year in base salary.

Most entry-level jobs at ICE require a bachelor's degree whereas some positions require a year of graduate study unless the applicant graduated with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA)In some cases, a master's degree can help waive the requirement for the GL-9 level.

While the ICE agent's claim about making $200K could still be considered, with just a high school degree, it could be just a retort rather than reality.