A TikTok influencer from Washington, D.C., recently posted a video criticizing ICE agents whom she believes to be Black. The video sparked reactions on social media, as members of online Black communities had harsh words for these agents.
The video was originally posted by TheExecutiveTea, a profile run by a woman based in Washington, D.C., and it quickly went viral on the platform, receiving over 52,000 likes. It soon made its way to Reddit’s r/BlackPeopleofReddit, where users amplified the criticism of the agents.
In the short clip, the woman uses images of unmasked ICE agents operating at airports, whom she identifies as People of Color, to criticize them. She appears disappointed by their choice to work for the immigration agency, saying, “I know things are rough, but out of all government jobs, as people of color, y’all couldn’t pick something else?”
ICE agents are currently operating at U.S. airports due to the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and a subsequent staff shortage. Unlike in most cases, where they operate on the streets, the agents seen in airports are unmasked.
Internet Comments on Black ICE Agents at Airports
Most commenters online seemed to agree with TheExecutiveTea that Black ICE agents were “wrong.” One user wrote, “It’s embarrassing for any person of color to think they’re the exception for working with them.” Another claimed that “my morals and values aren’t for sale,” explaining that nothing would ever make them work for the agency.
Others commented on how it was “no coincidence that now that they can’t wear masks in the airport, the ones we’re seeing are Black and other non-whites.” Another Redditor responded, saying, “It is a completely calculated PR move. The system is using them as human shields to deflect accusations of racism while aggressively enforcing a white nationalist agenda.”
Some people had more sympathetic views toward people of color working for ICE, though. “Y’all have to understand that there were ICE agents prior to this administration. These may not be any of the individuals who were out on the streets terrorizing citizens,” stated one person who defended these agents.
Considering that the conversation around ICE has strong racial overtones and has become one of the most controversial topics of 2026, it is likely to continue sparking discussion for some time, especially as agents operate unmasked at airports.
