In a recent exchange on Capitol Hill, Rep. Julie Johnson called out South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for the lack of proper protocols within the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Johnson pointed out that ICE agent jackets were available for purchase on Etsy for a mere $20, allowing anyone to impersonate an agent and potentially terrorize people of color without consequence.

The confrontation took place during a heated discussion about immigration policy, with Johnson highlighting the dangers of unchecked authority within ICE. She expressed concern that the agency’s lax protocols could lead to abuses of power and violations of civil rights.

Governor Noem was visibly taken aback by Johnson’s accusations, but did not offer a substantial response to address the issue. The exchange underscored the need for greater oversight and accountability within ICE, as well as a more robust system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing our immigration system and the urgent need for reform. It also sheds light on the broader issue of systemic racism and discrimination within law enforcement agencies, highlighting the ways in which marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by these injustices.

Moving forward, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights within immigration enforcement. By addressing these issues head-on, we can work towards a more just and equitable system that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Rep. Julie Johnson to Noem: “Are you aware that ICE agent jackets are available on Etsy for $20? Anybody can throw a mask on and run around and terrorize people of color without any regard for the law because your agency does not have proper protocols to make sure your agents are… pic.twitter.com/Lofwzgp5zz

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 14, 2025

In a recent exchange between Rep. Julie Johnson and Governor Noem, a concerning issue was brought to light – the availability of ICE agent jackets on Etsy for a mere $20. This revelation raises serious questions about the potential misuse of these jackets by individuals who may not have the authority to wear them. It also sheds light on the lack of proper protocols within the agency to prevent such unauthorized use.

The fact that anyone can easily purchase an ICE agent jacket and use it to impersonate a law enforcement officer is extremely alarming. This poses a significant risk to public safety, especially for communities of color who may be targeted and terrorized by individuals wearing these jackets. The absence of strict regulations and oversight within the agency only exacerbates this problem, as there are no safeguards in place to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to these garments.

It is crucial for agencies like ICE to implement stringent protocols to prevent the unauthorized use of their uniforms and equipment. This includes implementing secure purchasing processes, conducting thorough background checks on buyers, and enforcing penalties for those caught using these items unlawfully. Without these measures in place, the potential for abuse and misconduct is significantly higher, putting vulnerable populations at risk.

Furthermore, the lack of accountability within the agency is deeply concerning. Without proper protocols and oversight, there is no way to guarantee that ICE agents are acting within the bounds of the law and upholding their responsibilities to protect and serve the community. This lack of transparency and accountability only serves to erode public trust in law enforcement agencies and perpetuates a culture of impunity.

It is imperative that Governor Noem and other officials take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that proper protocols are put in place to prevent the unauthorized use of ICE agent jackets. This includes working with federal agencies to strengthen regulations, increase oversight, and hold individuals accountable for any misuse of law enforcement attire. Only through these proactive measures can we safeguard the public and uphold the integrity of our law enforcement institutions.

In conclusion, the availability of ICE agent jackets on platforms like Etsy for a nominal fee raises serious concerns about the potential for misuse and abuse by unauthorized individuals. It is essential for agencies like ICE to implement strict protocols and oversight to prevent such incidents from occurring and to uphold the trust and confidence of the communities they serve. Governor Noem and other officials must take decisive action to address these issues and ensure that the proper safeguards are in place to protect the public from any potential harm.