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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has never employed former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, contradicting claims circulating online that Tarrio appeared on a list of ICE agents.
The false narrative spread across social media platforms, where users shared a photograph of Tarrio with text claiming he was “listed as an ICE agent in leaked database.” Some posts went further, labeling him as “one of Trump’s Nazi ICE agents,” drawing connections between the far-right figure and federal immigration enforcement.
The claims emerged after a website called ICE List published what it described as leaked personal details of approximately 4,500 ICE and Border Patrol employees, including nearly 2,000 frontline enforcement agents. The site identifies itself as a journalistic project by Crust News, which states it collects and shares information related to U.S. federal immigration enforcement.
While Tarrio’s name does appear on the ICE List website, he is categorized as a “Propagandist; Agitator,” not as a government employee. There is no indication in the listing that Tarrio has any affiliation with ICE or any other federal agency.
“This individual was never hired by ICE,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed in an email to Reuters. The news agency reported it could not independently verify the accuracy of the list or how the data was obtained.
Dominick Skinner, the founder of ICE List, clarified the nature of the database in comments to Reuters, stating: “We do not only list ICE personnel, but also propagandists and agitators.” Skinner emphasized that Tarrio is not listed as an ICE agent on the site. He added that the full dataset referenced in online posts has not been completely released, as ICE List plans to publish information in batches after verifying names and employment details.
Tarrio, who was pardoned in January 2025 after being convicted of crimes including seditious conspiracy for his role in planning the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has responded to the false claims about his alleged employment with ICE. After a January 14 post on X shared screenshots featuring his name, Tarrio said he had received numerous death threats and accused those spreading the claims of intentionally sharing misinformation to provoke action from “IDIOTS that believe this.” He added that he wishes he did work for ICE.
The next day, Tarrio dismissed the online reports as “obviously” satire. He did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the matter.
The false narrative linking Tarrio to ICE emerges amid continued controversy surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. Under the Trump administration, ICE conducted raids in numerous U.S. cities including Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Atlanta as part of what the agency described as nationwide law enforcement campaigns targeting undocumented immigrants.
Immigration policy continues to be a divisive political issue in the United States, with enforcement tactics and priorities shifting based on administration policies. ICE’s operations have frequently drawn criticism from civil liberties groups and immigration advocates, while others support stricter enforcement measures.
The spread of misinformation regarding ICE personnel highlights the politically charged nature of immigration debates and the potential for false claims to increase tensions around an already contentious issue.
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7 Comments
It’s concerning to see the false narrative about Tarrio’s supposed ICE employment spreading online. The DHS spokesperson’s clear denial is a welcome clarification. In these polarized times, it’s crucial that we rely on authoritative sources and fact-check claims before sharing them.
The claims that Tarrio was an ICE agent seem to be completely unfounded. It’s concerning to see this kind of disinformation being spread, especially given Tarrio’s involvement with the Proud Boys. Fact-checking is crucial in these situations.
I agree. Fact-checking is essential to combat the spread of false narratives, especially when it comes to controversial figures. The DHS spokesperson’s denial provides a clear rebuttal to these claims.
This is an important fact check. The DHS spokesperson’s statement directly refutes the claims that Tarrio worked for ICE, which appears to be completely unfounded. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and double-check information, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like immigration enforcement.
This is an interesting fact check. It’s good to see the DHS spokesperson clearly denying that Tarrio ever worked for ICE, despite the false claims circulating online. I wonder what the motivation is behind spreading this misinformation?
You raise a good point. Spreading misinformation, especially about someone’s employment history, can be quite damaging. It’s important to verify claims before sharing them.
This fact check highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like immigration enforcement. The DHS spokesperson’s statement helps to dispel the false claims about Tarrio’s alleged ICE affiliation. It’s a good reminder to be cautious about unsubstantiated rumors on social media.