What is the average salary of an experienced ICE agent in 2025?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, the average salary for experienced ICE agents in 2025 varies significantly depending on their specific role and classification. The data reveals a clear distinction between different types of ICE positions and experience levels.

For returning ICE deportation officers, salaries range from $88,621 to $144,031 per year ^[1]. More notably, criminal investigators earn substantially more, with salaries ranging from $105,383 to $171,268 per year ^[1]. This suggests that experienced ICE agents in investigative roles can expect to earn well into six-figure territory.

Entry-level deportation officers start at much lower compensation, with salaries between $49,739 and $89,528 per year depending on experience and education ^{[2] [3]}. However, these figures represent starting positions rather than experienced agent compensation.

Additional compensation significantly enhances total earnings. ICE offers a maximum $50,000 signing bonus for recruits, which is split over three years for returning employees ^{[4] [5] [6]}. HSI Special Agents receive an additional 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) ^{[5] [6]}, which substantially increases their effective salary. The agencies also provide student loan repayment and forgiveness options, enhanced retirement benefits, and other compensation packages ^[5].

Returning federal employees receive particularly attractive packages, including a "dual compensation waiver" allowing them to collect their new ICE salary while retaining existing federal benefits ^[4]. This creates a compelling financial incentive for experienced law enforcement professionals to join ICE.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several critical gaps in available salary information. Most significantly, none of the sources provide a specific average salary figure for experienced ICE agents, making it impossible to give a precise answer to the original question. The data focuses heavily on salary ranges and recruitment incentives rather than actual average compensation.

Geographic location appears to be a significant factor that's largely overlooked in the analyses. One source mentions "location-dependent additions" ^[3], suggesting that ICE agent salaries vary considerably based on where they're stationed, but specific regional data is absent.

The timing of these salary reports coincides with a major ICE recruitment drive. Sources indicate that ICE received over 100,000 applications from Americans wanting to help remove criminals ^[6], and later reports mention more than 150,000 applications ^[5]. This massive recruitment effort suggests that the salary and benefit packages being advertised may represent enhanced compensation designed to attract large numbers of applicants rather than standard historical pay scales.

The distinction between different ICE roles is crucial but underexplored. While the analyses mention deportation officers and criminal investigators, ICE encompasses numerous specialized positions including intelligence analysts, detention officers, and administrative staff, each likely having different compensation structures.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself contains no apparent misinformation or bias - it's a straightforward inquiry about salary information. However, the available data sources may present a skewed picture of ICE compensation.

The timing and context of these salary reports suggest potential bias toward recruitment messaging. Multiple sources reference the same Department of Homeland Security press releases ^{[5] [6]} that emphasize "patriotic Americans" helping to remove "murderers, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists" ^[6]. This language suggests these sources may be promotional materials designed to attract applicants rather than objective salary surveys.

The emphasis on signing bonuses and enhanced benefits in multiple analyses ^{[4] [5] [6]} indicates that standard base salaries may be less competitive than the total compensation packages being advertised. This could create misleading expectations about typical ICE agent earnings.

The lack of independent salary verification from sources outside government agencies represents a significant limitation. Most analyses appear to rely on official DHS and ICE communications rather than independent salary surveys or employment data, potentially creating an echo chamber of government-provided information.

The absence of historical salary data or comparison with other federal law enforcement positions makes it difficult to assess whether current ICE compensation represents typical market rates or enhanced recruitment incentives.