Hernandez looks dejected in shorts and a South Park T-shirt, while the agent, facing away from the camera, appears in tight black pants with her hair falling over her shoulder.
The picture has racked up nearly 25 million views since being posted on X by ICE’s San Diego branch this past Saturday.
While ICE arrest photos are usually staged in a way that hides the officer’s face to protect their identity, this particular one quickly stood out online.
Instead of the migrant being the focus, it was the officer’s pose and appearance that sparked massive conversation and viral traction.
“The Cartman shirt, the ICE agent facing the wall for no reason other than to show her a–, this is art. The parallels one could draw from this are endless. Satire is dead,” another added, suggesting the picture looked more like satire than an official press shot.
“Anyone have the federal agents @,” a third chimed in.
According to ICE, Hernandez had a long history of criminal offenses, including several DUI convictions.
He was taken into custody in San Diego after being flagged to federal authorities by local law enforcement.
Officials confirmed he is now facing deportation to Mexico.
“He chose to break our laws again and again. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal- because public safety comes first.”
