The salary of immigration agents in the United States has once again become a topic of public discussion in 2026, and not by chance. Amid political tensions and cuts in various areas of government, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stands out as an exception: it maintains funding, stability, and competitive salaries. The issue is significant. For many Latinos in the US, ICE is not just another federal agency. It's a tangible presence in their daily lives. Therefore, when the topic of how much its agents earn comes up, the conversation mixes interest, surprise, and also discomfort. How much does an ICE agent earn in 2026? The numbers vary depending on experience, rank, and location, but one thing is clear: it's not a low salary within the US market. In cities with a high cost of living, such as New York or California, salaries can be adjusted upwards. Furthermore, in practice, many agents end up earning more through overtime and additional pay.

How the Salary Works (What Isn't Explained)

ICE is part of the federal pay system (GS scale). This means automatic increases based on experience, adjustments based on city, and overtime pay. It also includes bonuses in some cases. In other words, the actual pay is usually higher than the base salary.

But the key lies in the benefits, which are crucial to understanding the appeal. Salary isn't the only factor.

The package includes:

This makes the position one of the most stable within the government.

What is the highest salary for an ICE agent?

While ZipRecruiter lists annual salaries ranging from $30,500 to $83,500, most ICE agent salaries fall between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $82,500 (75th percentile).

The highest earners (90th percentile) receive $83,000 annually. This is in addition to bonuses, overtime, and benefits.

Why ICE Salaries Are Controversial in 2026

The debate isn't just about how much the agents earn, but about the context in which those salaries are maintained and even increased. In 2026,The United States is experiencing a major political conflict over the funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which left thousands of federal workers without pay for weeks. In that scenario, ICE found itself in a unique position: its agents continued to receive their full salaries thanks to a funding scheme already approved for several years.

This difference created a very visible contrast. While airport employees like those of the TSA were working without pay—with resignations, absences, and chaos at security checkpoints—ICE agents not only maintained their salaries but were even deployed to airports to help address part of the crisis.

That's where the issue ceases to be technical and becomes political. The budget conflict is no accident: it is directly linked to disagreements about ICE's role, its operations, and potential reforms. In fact, part of the gridlock in Congress stems from attempts to limit or change how the agency operates. Added to this is a deeper factor: in recent years, ICE has become one of the most well-funded and visible agencies in the federal government, with a greater presence in operations and public spaces. This growth, combined with competitive salaries and job security amidst cuts in other areas, fuels the perception that there are unbalanced priorities within the government. The result is a controversy that mixes money, politics, and immigration. For some, it's about a stable and well-paid job within the government. For others, it reflects an increasingly harsh immigration policy that is better funded than other basic public services. Ultimately, ICE's 2026 salary is surprising not only because of the amount. What truly makes it newsworthy is the context: an agency that is growing, receiving funding, and gaining prominence while other areas of government face budget cuts.

How to Become an ICE Agent in 2026

Becoming an ICE agent is neither immediate nor easy. It is a federal process with strict requirements and several stages of evaluation.

The first thing to keep in mind is that not just anyone can apply. As a minimum, you need to be a US citizen, between 21 and 37 years old (in most cases), and have a clean criminal record. A valid driver's license and availability to work in different parts of the country are also required.

Regarding education, ICE typically requires a university degree or equivalent work experience, especially in areas such as security, law, investigations, or law enforcement.

However, there are also entry pathways for candidates with relevant practical experience.

The selection process is long and competitive. It includes:

If the candidate advances, they must complete mandatory training at federal academies, where they are trained in legal procedures, use of force, investigation,and immigration enforcement.

A key point that many don't consider: it's not just an administrative job. Depending on the role, it can involve field operations, arrests, and high-pressure situations.

In terms of time, the entire process can take several months and even more than a year from application to actual entry.