A common argument from MAGA is that any opposition to them is artificial – they’ll screech about “paid protesters” until the cows come home. But, as is almost always the case, this is a classic case of projection, and they’re telling on themselves.
A new report in The Washington Post details how ICE has earmarked a colossal $100 million from its budget to pay online influencers to gush about how great ICE is, how handsome their agents are, and how they’re an unstoppable force for good in the world that you should definitely sign up to.
They may well consider this money well spent. ICE’s reputation is so bad that they’re becoming worried the pool of meatheaded racists they’ve traditionally tapped is running dry just as they need to step up what they describe as a “wartime recruitment” push.
Maga: Anti-ICE protestors are being paid!
— Cuckturd (@CattardSlim) January 13, 2026
Kristi Noem: I'm secretly using $8 million taxpayer dollars to pay podcasters, & influencers to pretend to love ICE!
Of course #23,891 pic.twitter.com/eWozTEIuWs
That in itself should be concerning. If ICE really is detaining thousands of people each day, they’re going to run out of targets. And at that point, do they simply take off their badges and return home? Or are they just going to seamlessly transform into Trump’s street enforcers and start targeting… you?
Who are they going after next?
ICE is planning to spend your hard earned tax dollars on a $100 MILLION digital propaganda campaign. Don't be swayed by this publicity stunt. pic.twitter.com/eMVn3EDWXf
— Rep. Mark Pocan (@RepMarkPocan) January 12, 2026
To achieve this massive boost in recruits, ICE is planning to “flood the market” with propaganda targeting young men, with their recruitment ads claiming things like “America has been invaded by criminals and predators. We need YOU to get them out.”
It seems the government money will primarily be funneled to anyone whose audience may be tempted by a badge, a gun, and the authority to brutalize civilians. This means paying off podcasters and influencers who focus on subjects like country music, true crime, guns, and tactical gear – as well as anyone who listens to “conservative thought leaders”.
The aim is to create the illusion of “authentic peer-to-peer messaging” that will “normalize and humanize careers at ICE through storytelling and lived experiences”.
Anyone considering joining ICE at this point should probably bear in mind that this may well end up as a permanent mark of shame in their lives. There is justified widespread disgust at ICE’s cruelty and abuse of power, so don’t be surprised if in a decade this is at best a period in your life you’d prefer to stay hidden, or (more likely) that anyone who realizes you were a Trump-era ICE agent will treat you like you’re radioactive.
Anyway, just remember that the next time you hear a conservative talking head burbling in your ear about how great ICE is and that working for them is amazing, they’re being paid handsomely to lie to you!
