Fact check: What is the average annual salary of an ICE agent in the United States?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, ICE agent salaries vary significantly depending on experience level and position type. New ICE deportation officers start at $49,739 and can earn up to $89,528 per year ^{[1] [2] [3]}. For entry-level positions, agents earn around $29,350 annually, while experienced agents can earn up to $76,687 or more per year ^{[4] [5]}.

According to O*NET Online, roles similar to ICE agents receive an average annual salary of $79,970 ^{[4] [5]}. However, returning ICE agents could receive significantly higher compensation, with salaries between about $89,000 to $144,000 ^[2].

Additional compensation includes overtime pay and location-dependent salary additions ^[1], plus sign-on bonuses of up to $50,000 for former employees returning to ICE ^{[2] [6] [7]}. Retired employees can also benefit from a 'dual compensation waiver' allowing them to collect both their new ICE salary and existing federal benefits ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about ICE's current massive hiring expansion, with the agency receiving $8 billion to hire 10,000 new officers over the next four years ^[8]. This represents a significant increase from ICE's starting workforce of around 20,000 employees ^[6].

The salary ranges don't account for the substantial recruitment incentives being offered, particularly the $50,000 signing bonuses specifically targeting former federal workers and retired ICE employees ^{[2] [6] [7]}. This suggests the agency is prioritizing experienced personnel over new hires.

Government agencies and contractors involved in immigration enforcement would benefit financially from this hiring expansion, as increased staffing typically correlates with larger budgets and contracts. Former ICE employees particularly benefit from the dual compensation structure, allowing them to collect both retirement benefits and new salaries simultaneously.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual, seeking basic salary information without apparent bias. However, it fails to acknowledge the current context of ICE's unprecedented hiring surge and the premium compensation packages being offered to attract experienced personnel ^{[6] [8]}.

The question's simplicity could be misleading, as it doesn't reflect the complex compensation structure that varies dramatically between new hires ($49,739-$89,528) and returning experienced agents ($89,000-$144,000) ^{[2] [3]}. This omission could lead to incomplete understanding of ICE's actual compensation practices and recruitment strategies.