Why do Latinos join ICE?

Why do so many Latinos join immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and Border Patrol? Contrary to the widespread assumption that they are 'race traitors' or self-hating, a growing body of evidence suggests that many Latino agents see their work as a form of community service. Geraldo Cadava, a historian and author featured in this episode, reveals that nearly half of all Customs and Border Patrol agents are Hispanic Americans, and about 20% of ICE agents identify as Latino—figures that defy simplistic narratives of betrayal. Instead, these individuals often frame their roles as protective, emphasizing their commitment to keeping drugs out of neighborhoods, serving their communities, and acting as cultural liaisons. Many are drawn by financial incentives, as border jobs offer salaries near the national median—rare in many border towns. But more importantly, they see themselves as defenders, not oppressors. The episode explores how high school programs like the Border Patrol Explorers at Horizon High School in El Paso normalize law enforcement through mock raids and career fairs, shaping young people’s perceptions from an early age. Cadava argues that the term 'Latino' must be understood as a broad, self-identified umbrella that includes deeply conflicting political views—ranging from staunch Trump supporters to reform-minded agents who believe they can change the system from within.