Federal ICE Background Checker Arrested in Sex Trafficking Sting

Brashad Johnson, a contractor responsible for vetting ICE agents, was one of 30 suspects caught in an undercover operation in Minnesota.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A federal contractor responsible for conducting background checks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents was arrested in a sex trafficking sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota. Brashad Johnson, 36, was one of 30 suspects apprehended in the undercover sting, which authorities described as the "most disturbing arrest" they've had.

Why it matters

The arrest of an ICE background checker in a sex trafficking operation raises serious concerns about the vetting process for federal law enforcement agents, especially those responsible for sensitive security clearances. It also highlights ongoing issues with ICE's aggressive tactics and misconduct by some of its personnel in Minnesota.

The details

According to police, Johnson, a Department of Defense contractor, was responsible for conducting background checks on ICE, Homeland Security, and other federal agents. He was one of 30 men arrested in an undercover sex trafficking sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota. While 28 of the men face gross misdemeanor charges, Johnson and one other suspect were charged with felonies due to being repeat offenders.

  • On February 11, 2026, Brashad Johnson was arrested in the sex trafficking sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota.

The players

Brashad Johnson

A 36-year-old federal contractor responsible for conducting background checks on ICE, Homeland Security, and other federal agents.

Booker Hodgers

The police chief in Bloomington, Minnesota, who described Johnson's arrest as "the most disturbing" they've had.

Alexander Steven Back

A married ICE employee who was previously arrested in a separate sex trafficking sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota in November.

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What they’re saying

“This is the most disturbing arrest that we've had here. He is a backgrounder for ICE, Homeland Security, and federal agencies. So when you're getting your security clearance, this is one of the guys that does your backgrounds, which is kind of scary.”

— Booker Hodgers, Police Chief, Bloomington, Minnesota

“When he was arrested, he said, 'I'm ICE, boys.' Well, unfortunately for him, we locked him up.”

— Booker Hodgers, Police Chief, Bloomington, Minnesota (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Brashad Johnson to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights serious concerns about the vetting process for federal law enforcement agents, especially those responsible for sensitive security clearances. It also raises questions about misconduct and abuse of power within ICE and other agencies.