Two ICE agents spotted at LaGuardia Airport in New York were shamed on social media for looking “too young” for their federal roles. The photo went viral on Reddit, with many agreeing that the pair was “teenage-looking,” based on their appearance. The actual ages of the agents aren’t known, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of online users from blasting the two with Gen Z and Gen A humor.
Reddit user Ryanyu10’s r/pics post of the two ICE agents at LaGuardia Airport garnered tens of thousands of upvotes, but the photo originated from Megan Greenwell on BlueSky. There has been a growing number of agents being stationed at major airports lately, and not just to look for undocumented immigrants. With a lack of DHS funding, TSA has been struggling with staff shortages, so ICE is pitching in its workforce, according to CNN.
Like with any large workforce in the US, you’re bound to have quite a diversity of age groups, even in ICE. Yet, many online users feel as though the two ICE agents at LaGuardia aren’t old enough for the job. “Literally looks like high school kids dressing up for a Halloween party,” laughed a Redditor. “It’s crazy being 40 and realizing that cops and soldiers are basically just kids,” commented another. “Did they go to training during recess?” questioned a third.
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Several others chimed in, quoting popular internet memes, such as “skibidi” or “6-7” at the two ICE agents. On the other hand, as one commenter pointed out, the pair could actually be in their mid-twenties, as the ‘younger generations’ have been said to look younger than the previous generations at the same ages. However, it should be noted that ICE employees can be as young as age 18, according to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
That said, there’s no telling as to how long ICE agents will be patrolling around airports like JFK, as CNN reports there’s “no end in sight” for the shutdown affecting the TSA. Until something changes, it’s possible we’ll see more ‘younger-looking’ agents like the two at LaGuardia.
