ICE Idaho
Federal immigration agents conduct enforcement operation in farming community, highlighting tensions between immigration policy and agricultural labour needs usicegov/WikiMedia Commons

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been put in place to enforce federal laws on border control, customs, trade, and immigration. Since Donald Trump became president, at least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025 alone, resulting in 2025 being dubbed ICE's deadliest year in over three decades.

This year, over 68,000 people have been detained by ICE compared to the 40,000 detained in 2025. It is important to note that it is only February. In the past two months, six people have been killed by ICE officials and two others were fatally shot.

More Security and Safety Threats

New details have emerged on how Chicago is trying to keep its people safe. During an interview with Nick Shirley, an unnamed ICE officer revealed that massive bounties have been placed on ICE agents' heads. Civilians could reportedly earn between $2,000 (£1,540) and $10,000 (£7,700) for either killing ICE agents or reporting them to cartel authorities. The unnamed source also revealed that ICE vehicles are being air-tagged so that their movements can be monitored.

Following the release of Shirley's video, hundreds of people shared their thoughts and reactions on social media.

'This is insane and makes me livid! How do we live in the greatest country on Earth and our federal law enforcement officers are being tracked and have bounties out on them? Jesus Christ please keep our law enforcement officers safe from the evil that purses them,' one person wrote.

'I understand the outrage, but let's check the facts. Bounties existed in 2020, DHS reported it, and the threat is real. Demonizing cities distracts from solving the problem,' another person commented.

'If these reports are accurate, offering money to kill federal officers is an attack on public safety and must not be tolerated. Platforms where bounties are posted need to be held accountable, and federal and local agencies should open immediate investigations and pursue prosecutions,' a third person commented.

Others also raised concerns regarding the accuracy of the claims made in the interview. After all, the source's name was not revealed, so it is unclear if bounties have really been put in place to target ICE officials. Some also warned Shirley about releasing such a controversial interview.

'Be careful Nick Shirley ! If they have for ICE, it's possible they have for you, too,' one person wrote.

Rewarding ICE agents for arrests — even if the person is released without charges — is leading to chaos in the streets and Constitutional rights being violated. This isn’t making us safer.

Separate Claims About ICE Agent Rewards

Last month, US Senator Amy Klobuchar published a post on Facebook making separate claims about ICE operations. The senator said that ICE agents are being rewarded with thousands of dollars for arresting civilians. Klobuchar said that the ICE agents will still receive their reward even if the person they arrested is released without charges. This has reportedly caused chaos and encouraged ICE agents to arrest people indiscriminately.

What Can ICE Do?

According to the BBC, ICE agents can stop, detain, and arrest people they suspect are in the US illegally. However, they need to acquire legal permission to enter any home. Agents can also detain individuals who resist arrest but only for a limited time. In a 2023 DHS memo, it was stated that ICE agents can use deadly force only when necessary.

Read more
ICE