A viral video showing an ICE agent wearing what appears to be a Rolex watch over a 'We The People' tattoo has sparked heated debate online. The unidentified agent was filmed outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention centre in Newark, New Jersey, where tensions are high.
Right-wing influencer Nick Sortor claimed on X that the agent sported a Rolex Submariner, a luxury watch retailing between $10,050 and $48,600. Sortor wrote, 'Holy freaking patriot,' adding a US flag emoji. After a community note suggested the watch was a Seaholm Border Patrol model, Sortor doubled down, insisting it was a Rolex and that the agent had 'worked for every penny.'
Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty described the agent as 'based,' while the Department of Homeland Security shared an image of the watch on X with the caption, 'A crown for every achievement.' However, Todd Schulte, president of immigration reform group FWD.us, criticised the DHS, saying the post highlighted a 'massive political vulnerability' amid public anger over spending priorities.
The controversy comes as detainees at Delaney Hall stage a hunger strike over lack of due process, poor food, and treatment. Senator Andy Kim reported being pepper-sprayed by ICE agents while trying to mediate. Late Wednesday, six protesters were arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement.
