Alexander Steven Back, a 41-year-old civilian employee for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was arrested in November 2025 during a child sex trafficking sting in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Arrest and Charges
- The Incident: Back was one of 16 men apprehended during “Operation Creep,” a multi-agency sting where officers posed as minors online. He allegedly responded to an ad and messaged an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl, agreeing to meet at a hotel.
- Famous Quote: Upon being taken into custody, Back reportedly identified himself to local police by saying, “I’m ICE, boys“.
- Legal Charges: He was initially booked on a state felony charge for hiring or agreeing to hire a person believed to be a minor. The case was later moved to federal court, where he was indicted for attempted enticement of a minor.
Employment Status
- Role: ICE officials clarified that Back was an I-9 auditor (employment eligibility verification) hired in 2022 and was not a law enforcement officer.
- Action Taken: Following his arrest, he was immediately placed on administrative leave while the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility conducts an investigation.
Current Status
As of February 2026, Back has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges and remains on administrative leave. The incident has been cited in broader reviews of misconduct among ICE employees and contractors.