A 41-year-old civilian ICE auditor, Alexander Steven Back, was arrested Nov. 13 in Bloomington, Minn., during an undercover sting called "Operation Creep" that targeted prostitution and child sex trafficking. Police allege Back replied to an online ad and communicated with an officer posing as a 17-year-old before arriving at a specified address and being arrested. Authorities say he allegedly told officers, "I'm ICE, boys," and could be referred to federal authorities. Back faces a felony charge for hiring or agreeing to hire someone believed to be under 18 and is due back in court on Dec. 17.
Minnesota ICE Auditor Arrested in Undercover Child-Sex Sting; Allegedly Boasted, "I'm ICE, Boys"
A 41-year-old civilian ICE auditor, Alexander Steven Back, was arrested Nov. 13 in Bloomington, Minn., during an undercover sting called "Operation Creep" that targeted prostitution and child sex trafficking. Police allege Back replied to an online ad and communicated with an officer posing as a 17-year-old before arriving at a specified address and being arrested. Authorities say he allegedly told officers, "I'm ICE, boys," and could be referred to federal authorities. Back faces a felony charge for hiring or agreeing to hire someone believed to be under 18 and is due back in court on Dec. 17.
12:19 AM, 11/20/2025Society
A 41-year-old civilian Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) auditor, Alexander Steven Back of Robbinsdale, was arrested in Bloomington, Minnesota, after allegedly responding to an online prostitution advertisement placed by undercover officers. The arrest was part of a multi-jurisdictional operation called "Operation Creep," which targeted prostitution and trafficking of minors and resulted in multiple arrests.
Arrest Details
According to charging documents, on Nov. 13 Back replied to an ad and exchanged texts with an officer posing as a 17-year-old using the name "Bella." The undercover officer told Back she was 17; the complaint says Back responded "Sure," then arrived at an address in Bloomington in a vehicle registered to his wife. Police arrested Back at the scene and seized his phone.
"I'm ICE, boys," Back allegedly said at the time of his arrest, Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said.
Charges and Next Steps
Back faces a felony charge for hiring or agreeing to hire a person reasonably believed to be under 18 but at least 16 in connection with prostitution. He was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on Nov. 13 and released two days later after posting $75,000 bond. A court spokesperson said Back did not enter a plea at his initial appearance and is next scheduled to appear on Dec. 17.
Chief Booker Hodges said investigators believe Back may be referred to federal authorities because of his employment and potential past contacts with federal investigations. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE were reported as not immediately responding to requests for comment.
Context and Resources
Authorities say Back was one of 16 men arrested during Operation Creep. The sting involved officers from several jurisdictions working to identify and stop adults seeking sex with minors.
If you suspect child abuse or exploitation: contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is toll-free, confidential, available 24/7 and offers services in more than 170 languages.