Who Is Laura Jedeed? Journalist Claims ICE Offered Her a Job Despite Failed Drug Test

Laura Jedeed, a New York–based journalist, has sparked debate after claiming that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offered her a job despite incomplete paperwork and an alleged failed drug test. Her account was shared in a first-person opinion article and quickly gained attention online.

Jedeed is known for her critical views on US immigration policy and former President Donald Trump. Her claims have raised questions about ICE’s recruitment process, though the agency has not confirmed or denied her allegations.

Why Did Laura Jedeed Attend an ICE Career Expo?

Laura Jedeed said she never planned to work for ICE. She attended an ICE Career Expo in Texas in August 2024 purely out of curiosity. She wanted to observe how the agency recruits new employees.

In her account, she described the event as focused on fast hiring. According to her, recruiters promoted quick job offers, financial bonuses, and accelerated screening.

She said her interview lasted less than six minutes. She claimed the questions were basic and the process lacked detailed review.

Laura Jedeed’s Background and Early Life

Laura Jedeed was born in 1987 and raised in Colorado. She comes from a mixed family background. Her mother is white, while her father is a first-generation Syrian immigrant.

At 18, she joined the US Army. She later served two deployments in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division between 2008 and 2010.

After leaving the military, she worked in several jobs, including analyst roles and bartending. She later transitioned into journalism.

Career in Journalism and Education

Laura studied political science at Reed College. She later built a career in media and political writing.

She has written for several well-known outlets, including:

• The New Republic

• New York Magazine

• Politico

• Rolling Stone

Her work often focuses on politics, power, and government accountability.

Claims About ICE’s Hiring Process

In her op-ed, Laura described ICE’s hiring process as rushed and poorly managed. She said the expo had fewer attendees than expected and that she spoke directly with ICE officers.

She claimed that when she mentioned interest in a desk-based role, officers pushed her toward field work instead.

On September 3, she said she received an email asking her to submit identification, agree to a background check, and complete forms. She stated that she did not complete any of these steps.

Job Offer Despite Missing Paperwork?

Despite this, Laura claimed she later received another email asking her to complete a drug test. She further alleged that ICE’s internal system showed her as officially hired by September 30.

According to her, the system even listed her as having passed a physical fitness test on a date that had not yet occurred.

She said she never accepted the offer and ultimately declined the job. ICE has not issued a public response to her claims.

Public Reaction and Current Status

Laura Jedeed’s account has triggered strong reactions online. Supporters say it raises serious concerns about ICE recruitment standards. Critics argue the claims need independent verification.

As of January 2026, ICE has neither confirmed nor denied the details shared in her article.