Rep. Nancy Mace Fires Back at Haters After ICE Ride-Along [WATCH]

South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace responded to criticism over her appearance during a ride-along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last week, dismissing the backlash as politically motivated.

Mace accompanied ICE agents on an early morning operation in Goose Creek, South Carolina, as they conducted a raid targeting illegal immigrants, including individuals involved in fentanyl distribution. During the ride-along, she documented the experience in a video shared on X, which quickly went viral and drew mixed reactions.

The Friday morning raid took place in a neighborhood on Brick Greens Road, where Mace witnessed federal agents carrying out arrests.

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“We’re not just talking about deporting illegal aliens—we’re out here seeing it in action for ourselves—firsthand,” she captioned the 42-second clip.

The video showed Mace wearing a bulletproof vest while discussing the operation.

In the footage, she described seeing “illegal aliens first-hand” and reacted to one suspect attempting to evade capture.

“You came here illegally, you’re distributing fentanyl, get the f*** out,” Mace said in the video.

Mace noted that ICE agents had drawn “long barrel” rifles during the raid and described how a suspect attempted to hide inside the ceiling before being taken into custody.

We’re not just talking about deporting illegal aliens — we’re out here seeing it in action for ourselves – firsthand.

South Carolina needs bold leadership to support President Trump’s America First agenda deporting the bad guys and putting our people first.

It helps to have… pic.twitter.com/wbO0m8jRp6

— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) January 31, 2025

“This was a very dangerous individual, and we were all required to wear the vest,” she later explained in response to online criticism. “Long barrel rifles were drawn, and if something were to happen, they’d want to make sure everyone around is safe.”

LJ Roscoe, Chief of the Goose Creek Police Department, later told local media that his department had not been notified in advance of the operation. Mace attributed this to a miscommunication but stated that local law enforcement “of course” should be informed ahead of time.

Backlash Over Appearance
Mace’s video quickly gained traction online, with some users criticizing her appearance and accusing her of seeking attention.

“Didn’t wash my face or my hair from the day before, but the Left says I got dolled up. OK,” Mace responded on X, adding three laughing emojis.

Didn’t wash my face or my hair from the day before, but the Left says I got dolled up. OK. https://t.co/cTnYbpmh1t

— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) February 1, 2025

Among the reactions, some social media users likened her to South Dakota Governor and newly appointed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who also faced scrutiny over her appearance during a recent immigration raid in New York.

Others accused Mace of “playing dress-up” or seeking publicity, with comments calling her an “ICE Barbie” and mocking her for wearing a bulletproof vest.

Mace responded to one critic who called her attire an “Anderson Cooper cosplay getup,” reiterating that the protective gear was mandatory for safety.

Mace later spoke to local media about the operation, emphasizing the importance of ICE’s efforts in combatting illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

“This is someone in our own backyard, in Goose Creek,” Mace said of the primary suspect.

“He was recently caught with 3.5 grams of fentanyl. That amount of fentanyl could kill hundreds if not more people.”

She confirmed that the suspect would be deported, stating, “This guy is getting a one-way ticket back to whatever country he came from, and he can stay there.”

The ride-along took place just days after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was seen participating in an ICE operation in The Bronx.

7 AM in NYC. Getting the dirt bags off the streets. pic.twitter.com/AlDD819K89

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 28, 2025

Like Mace, Noem was criticized by some for her appearance while wearing a ballistic vest during the raid.

According to a White House official, ICE has already arrested over 7,500 illegal immigrants since President Donald Trump took office.

Deportation operations have been conducted daily as part of the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.

Despite the online backlash, Mace defended her participation in the ride-along, stating that witnessing the operation firsthand reinforced the importance of enforcing immigration laws.

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