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Fact check: What is the starting salary for an ICE supervisor

Checked on August 7, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, there is no specific starting salary information provided for ICE supervisors. However, the sources reveal a complex salary structure for ICE positions:

  • Entry-level ICE agents typically start at GS-5 level, earning approximately $29,350 per year [1]
  • ICE officers in supervisory positions can earn between $88,621 to $144,031 annually [2]
  • Deportation Officers are advertised with salaries ranging from $49,739 to $89,528 per year [3]
  • Criminal Investigators within ICE earn between $105,383 to $171,268 per year [2]
  • Experienced agents can advance to GS-13 level, earning up to $76,687 or more annually [1]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial contextual elements that significantly impact ICE supervisor compensation:

  • Geographic location adjustments - Top-tier agents in high-cost regions receive substantial locality pay increases that can dramatically boost base salaries [1]
  • Overtime opportunities - ICE positions frequently include overtime pay that can significantly increase total compensation beyond base salary [1] [3]
  • Career progression pathways - The federal GS pay scale system allows for advancement from entry-level positions to supervisory roles over time [1]
  • Different ICE position types - The agency employs various roles including Deportation Officers, Criminal Investigators, and general ICE officers, each with distinct salary ranges [2] [3]

Government agencies and immigration enforcement advocates benefit from emphasizing the lower starting salaries to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, while immigration reform organizations might highlight the higher supervisory salaries to argue about resource allocation priorities.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no inherent misinformation but oversimplifies the ICE compensation structure by seeking a single "starting salary" figure. This approach fails to acknowledge that:

  • ICE supervisor positions are not entry-level roles - individuals typically advance to supervisory positions after gaining experience in lower-grade positions
  • Federal pay scales are standardized but vary significantly based on geographic location, overtime, and specific job classifications
  • The term "ICE supervisor" encompasses multiple position types with different responsibilities and corresponding pay grades

The question's framing suggests there might be a single, straightforward answer when the reality involves a complex federal pay system with multiple variables affecting compensation.

Want to dive deeper?
What are the requirements to become an ICE supervisor?
How does the ICE supervisor salary compare to other federal law enforcement agencies?
What is the average salary for an ICE supervisor with 5 years of experience?
Do ICE supervisors receive hazard pay or other special compensation?
How does the ICE supervisor salary vary by location, such as New York versus Texas?