A seemingly routine law enforcement photo has ignited a social media storm.
ICE San Diego shared an image from a Saturday morning arrest, and it quickly went viral, racking up nearly 28 million views in under two days.
But it wasn’t the arrest itself that caught people’s attention—it was the unusual composition of the photo.
The snapshot shows a female ICE agent in federal gear with her back to the camera, hair tossed over her shoulder, arresting 42-year-old Diego Hernandez, a Mexican immigrant facing deportation.
Social media users immediately speculated whether the image was staged for clicks, and some commenters made humorous or sarcastic remarks about the officer’s pose.
Details of the Arrest
Hernandez was wearing a South Park T-shirt featuring Eric Cartman with the words, “Whatever! I do what I want.”
At the moment the photo was taken, one of his shoes had slipped off and his eyes were closed.
ICE San Diego confirmed that Hernandez has multiple DUI convictions and a history of illegal re-entry into the United States.
He was taken into federal custody after local police alerted ICE, and he is expected to be deported back to Mexico.
The agency noted that agents often pose with their backs to the camera to maintain anonymity.
“He chose to break our laws again and again. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal—because public safety comes first,” the agency stated.
ICE’s Expanding Operations
The agency is currently undergoing rapid expansion under President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda.
Congress recently approved $76.5 billion in new funding to accelerate deportations, nearly ten times ICE’s usual annual budget.
Of that, nearly $30 billion is dedicated to hiring new staff.
Currently, ICE employs roughly 6,500 deportation officers.
Acting Director Todd Lyons has announced plans to hire an additional 10,000 officers by the end of 2025.
Recruitment efforts include a new website, career expo appearances, and hiring bonuses as high as $50,000.
Lyons reported that the agency has already received 121,000 applications, many from former law enforcement officers.
Public Reaction Goes Viral
While the arrest itself was routine, the photograph sparked a mix of outrage, humor, and fascination online.
Some critics suggested the agency was using the image for publicity, while others joked about the officer or the arrested man’s South Park shirt.
The post’s viral status highlights how even ordinary law enforcement activities can become global talking points in the era of social media.
Diego Hernandez remains in ICE custody, awaiting deportation, while the agency continues to expand its operations and recruit new personnel to enforce U.S. immigration laws.
