These days, ICE agents have become something of a modern boogeyman for many people across the United States. They appear suddenly, often in places where no one expects them, and when they target someone, there is usually very little that person can do. Some individuals are caught off-guard at home, while others are swept up in broad public raids. But every so often, someone attempts to escape, and sometimes those attempts are caught on camera. One such incident in Gretna, Louisiana, drew major attention online after a man was seen sprinting away from ICE agents and running straight into a Floor & Decor store next to a Home Depot.
A customer who happened to be shopping inside managed to capture the entire ordeal on video. The clip shows the man bolting down the aisles while several ICE agents pursue him closely behind. What stood out to many viewers was that the agents were shouting in Spanish as they chased him, something that sparked intense reactions after the video circulated online.
People watching the clip could not believe what they were hearing. Many expressed anger and disappointment, questioning how Spanish-speaking agents could aggressively target someone from their own broader community in Gretna. Others were more cynical, arguing that ICE recruits from all backgrounds and that financial incentives often outweigh solidarity. The conversation quickly expanded beyond the chase itself and into broader frustrations about ICE operations, especially in public spaces.
Another layer of criticism focused on Home Depot. The company has been under scrutiny lately for appearing complacent with ongoing ICE activity in and around its stores. One commenter joked, “I hear they have great deals on ice scrapers atm,” referencing recent protests in Monrovia where residents bought up ice scrapers in bulk as a symbolic action meant to disrupt Home Depot’s system. The idea behind the protest was simple: hit the company’s bottom line to pressure them into distancing themselves from ICE cooperation. Some speculated that similar demonstrations might begin in Gretna if incidents like this continued.
Others pointed out that this behavior from Home Depot was unsurprising, mentioning the political leanings of one of the company’s founders. A former employee shared their frustrations, recalling how the founder’s controversial TV appearances regularly triggered waves of complaints from the public, which made workdays miserable. One user commented that it was a moment that made them question the company’s values entirely.
Not everyone placed blame on retail workers, though. Several users argued that expecting hourly employees in Gretna to confront or interfere with ICE agents was unreasonable. Many felt that these workers, who could easily be threatened or detained themselves, were in no position to intervene.
