On February 1, 2026, during a rally in Minneapolis, protestors broke out into a song containing the lyrics “it’s okay to change your mind, you can join us; it’s okay to change your mind, show us your courage.” The message was directed towards Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents, announcing that they could quit their job and join the protest.  

After hearing the song, the protestors were singing I began to ask myself: can ICE Agents, if they feel the violence is starting to go against their morals, leave? Would they? 

On their official website, ICE claims it “promotes family unity.” However, this family of agents seems to be held together with more money than unity.  

The Big Beautiful Bill enacted by President Trump has let ICE offer incentives such as a $50,000 signing bonus, $60,000 student loan repayment and up to 25% premium according to www.ice.gov. 

Currently, there have been rumors that if an ICE agent were to leave, they would have to repay the sign-on bonus. That claim has not been backed up in any substantial sources.  

Although, according to the pdf provided by the ICE website, all eligible employees or candidates using their student loan repayment services must agree to remain in the position with ICE for three years. It also says that employees who voluntarily leave the position or fail to complete the agreed upon period of service must refund the full amount of the benefits they used.  

So, if a person who was getting their student loans repaid left, they would have to pay all that money back.  

So, the answer to whether or not ICE agents can leave is simple.  

“Yes, they can change their mind, as in they can resign and leave the agency,” Dr. Jennifer Miller, a political science professor, said. “Most people resign and give two weeks’ notice. But I’ve seen people, you know, a moment’s notice and leave.”  

But would they? In my opinion, no. I do not think they would. I think there have been too many reports of ICE agents protecting each other from consequences, making snide comments or being hateful. This ability to anonymously do things creates a bond between agents. I think because of that reputation, it would be incredibly hard for an ICE agent to reassimilate into normal everyday society, let alone leave their position to stand in a protest. 

“There’s kind of this notion of we’re all part of a team and that’s not unique to ICE.” Miller said. “But there is something about the association of officers, especially in law enforcement. There’s a feeling of that we’re all kind of on one team”