Beneath the official veneer of federal law enforcement, a candid and often contentious dialogue unfolds daily within a private online forum. Here, current and former Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers gather not just to discuss the day’s news, but to air grievances and express profound disagreements, particularly concerning their colleagues in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A Digital Confessional for Federal Agents
Described as a sanctuary for “seasoned HSI Special Agents” and aspiring recruits alike, this forum offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the internal workings and moral complexities faced by those on the front lines of national security. HSI, the investigative arm of ICE, typically focuses on serious crimes such as drug smuggling, terrorism, and human trafficking. Yet, within these digital walls, the conversations often stray far from standard operational procedures.
The ‘Black Ops Commandos’ and Administrative Arrests
One recurring theme is the pointed criticism directed at Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) – the ICE division responsible for detaining and deporting immigrants. A user in July 2025, for instance, sarcastically quipped about ERO agents: “ERO is too busy dressing up as Black Ops Commandos with Tactical body armor, drop down thigh rigs, balaclavas, multiple M4 magazines, and Punisher patches, to do an Admin arrest of a non criminal, non-violent EWI that weighs 90 pounds and is 5 foot 2, inside a secure Federal building where everyone has been screened for weapons.” This sentiment underscores a perceived disconnect between ERO’s aggressive posturing and the nature of some of their duties.
Navigating Policy and Public Perception
Beyond inter-divisional jabs, the forum serves as a crucible for broader ethical and operational debates. Members openly discuss their discomfort with the United States’ extensive mass deportation efforts, scrutinize how federal agents interact with protesters and the general public, and lament the challenges of their working conditions. These discussions reveal a workforce grappling with the implications of their mandates and the public’s evolving perception of their roles.
The Minneapolis Shootings: A Chasm of Opinion
Perhaps no topic has ignited more fervent debate than the shooting deaths of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The incident exposed deep ideological fissures within the forum’s membership. Just five days after Good was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, a long-time member posted, advocating for a “temporary suspension of Civil Liberties” during ICE operations, citing an “unprecedented level of violence from both the Suspects and the General Public.” This extreme view was echoed by a recently retired agent who called the protests “organized, well financed civil disturbances, dare I say an INSURRECTION?!?”
However, not all shared this hardline stance. In a thread titled “The Shooting,” a newer member expressed profound unease: “I get that it is a good shoot legally and all that, but all he had to do was step aside, he nearly shot one of his partners for Gods sake! A USC woman non-crim shot in the head on TV for what? Just doesn’t sit well with me…” This poster questioned the necessity of the use of force, suggesting the agent, a member of ICE’s elite Special Response Team (SRT), could have de-escalated. Another user defended the agent, stating, “Yes, they were going to arrest her for 111,” referring to the charge of assaulting federal officers, and asserted that “Tons of USCs are being arrested for it daily.”
The debate escalated further when one user, echoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s controversial statement, labeled Good a “domestic terrorist.” This drew a sharp retort: “If you think a fat unarmed lesbian in a Honda is a ‘Terrorist’ then you are a fake ass cop! I have worked real Terrorism cases, and I am not saying it was a bad shoot and not defending her. I am just saying it did not have to happen.” This exchange vividly illustrates the internal struggle and moral reckoning occurring among agents.
Authenticity Amidst Anonymity
While these forums do not require proof of employment and lack heavy moderation, the depth of detail shared by over 2,000 members, with posts dating back to 2004, suggests an intimate familiarity with the job. These are not casual observers but individuals deeply embedded in the federal enforcement apparatus, offering insights rarely seen by the public.
Silence from the Top
Requests for comment from both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE regarding these internal discussions went unanswered, leaving the public to ponder the implications of such candid, and often critical, internal discourse within federal agencies.
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