Laura Jedeed, a journalist based in New York, recently drew attention after publishing an opinion piece describing her experience with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hiring process. In the article, she claimed that ICE offered her a position even though she did not complete required paperwork and allegedly failed a drug test.
Her account has triggered debate online, especially because Laura has been openly critical of former President Donald Trump and US immigration enforcement policies.
Why Did Laura Jedeed Attend an ICE Recruitment Event?
Laura stated that she never intended to work for ICE. However, out of curiosity, she attended an ICE Career Expo in Texas in August 2024 to observe how the agency recruits new officers.
According to her, the event promoted fast-track hiring, financial incentives, and immediate job offers. She described the process as unusually quick and loosely monitored.
Laura also claimed her interview lasted less than six minutes and required minimal screening.
Laura Jedeed’s Background and Career
Laura Jedeed was born in 1987 and grew up in Colorado. She comes from a mixed background, with a white mother and a father who was a first-generation Syrian immigrant.
At the age of 18, she joined the US Army and later served two deployments in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division between 2008 and 2010.
After leaving the military, she worked in various roles, including as an analyst and bartender. She later pursued journalism and has written for major publications such as:
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The New Republic
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New York Magazine
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Politico
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Rolling Stone
She also studied political science as an undergraduate at Reed College.
Claims About ICE Hiring Without Proper Screening
In her op-ed, Laura described the recruitment process as disorganized and rushed. She said the expo was far less crowded than expected and that she spoke directly with ICE officers.
At one point, she reportedly expressed interest in a desk-based role. She claimed this changed the tone of the conversation, with one officer emphasizing that ICE wanted more agents “in the field.”
On September 3, Laura said she received an email asking her to submit identification documents, agree to a background check, and complete additional forms. She claims she did not complete any of the requested steps.
Despite this, she says she received another email weeks later thanking her for progressing and instructing her to undergo a drug test.
Job Offer Despite Missing Requirements?
Laura claimed that ICE systems later showed her as officially hired by September 30, even listing her as having passed a physical fitness test on a date that had not yet occurred.
She stated that this happened despite her not submitting documents, completing background checks, or formally accepting the role. Ultimately, she said she declined the job and never joined the agency.
ICE has not publicly confirmed or denied her claims.