A growing number of former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are coming forward, exposing the disturbing work conditions and internal pressure that led to their resignations. According to The Atlantic, these agents say President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy—pushed by his “One Big Beautiful Bill”—has turned their jobs into a quota-chasing nightmare.
One former ICE officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said that what started as a patriotic duty has now turned into a job they no longer recognize. “Even those that are gung ho about the mission aren’t happy with how they are asking to execute it – the quotas and the shift to the low-hanging fruit to make the number,” they explained.
“I’m Tired of Arresting Gardeners” — Former Agent Slams Policy Shift
Another ex-agent became even more blunt, revealing that the emotional toll of the job had become too heavy, saying they would rather quit than “arrest gardeners.” Under direction from former Trump advisor Stephen Miller, ICE agents have been expected to make 3,000 arrests per day. And the kicker? Many of those arrested have no criminal records at all. In fact, according to The Atlantic, arrests of non-criminal migrants reportedly spiked 807% since Trump took office.
For some former agents, the turning point came when they realized the job was no longer about national security or justice—it was about feeding the numbers. They also report long hours, relentless overtime, and a disturbing lack of focus on mental health.
What’s Next for ICE Amid Agent Burnout and Public Backlash?
As mass deportations continue under Trump’s immigration overhaul, questions remain about how sustainable this pressure cooker environment is for federal agents. Many have quit, others are speaking out, and the morale inside ICE appears to be crumbling.
While the Trump administration continues to push aggressive enforcement tactics, critics argue it’s coming at the cost of both immigrant families and the agents tasked with removing them.