This article contains spoiler for ‘The Pitt’ episode ‘5:00pm’.
The latest episode of The Pitt has divided viewers after its storyline involved ICE (the US Immigration Customs Enforcement) agents.
- READ MORE: Is ‘The Pitt’ getting a season three?
Titled 5:00pm, the storyline sees Noah Wyle’s character, Dr Robby, faced with a patient who was injured during an ICE raid. The agents bring her to the hospital for treatment while in their custody, causing further chaos as staff and patients flee when learning of their arrival. Working quickly to get the agents out of the hospital, Robby faces difficult questions about his responsibility toward his patients, as well as nurses confronting agents.
ICE is a divisive subject in America, and viewers were quick to take to X (formerly Twitter) to share their views on their inclusion in the story.
On the positive side, fans praised the tension created by the presence of ICE agents. One user wrote: “The ICE storyline in the Pitt is so well written honestly and also it’s another great showcase of Dana (And all of the Nurses) being the GOAT. Especially in how it shows the general aura of danger that their presence everywhere brings.”
The ICE storyline in the Pitt is so well written honestly and also it's another great showcase of Dana (And all of the Nurses) being the GOAT. Especially in how it shows the general aura of danger that their presence everywhere brings
— Doro | (@faeydoro) March 20, 2026
Another added: “imo this was the best ep of the pitt so far this season omg the ICE parts sent a shiver down my spine it’s so horrific”
imo this was the best ep of the pitt so far this season omg the ICE parts sent a shiver down my spine it’s so horrific 🙁
— PRX niamh 🚂 (@spvderwebs) March 20, 2026
On the other side, some viewers were angry at what they perceive as an inaccurate portrayal of the government agency.
“I’m actually mad at how The Pitt portrayed ICE agents as people who would bring someone in for treatment” once person said. “Not to mention the ICE actors are BROWN. This normalization & portrayal of ICE as having any empathy is WILD. And inaccurate.”
I’m actually mad at how The Pitt portrayed ICE agents as people who would bring someone in for treatment. Not to mention the ICE actors are BROWN. This normalization & portrayal of ICE as having any empathy is WILD. And inaccurate. Also, santos..girl please #thepitt #pittspoilers
— Amy Warne (she/they) (@AmyEchos) March 20, 2026
Another said: “Side-eyeing this Pitt episode. I get you want to be topical and send a nice liberal message about ICE but do you really think they’re bringing the very people they target in for medical treatment at a hospital????”
Side-eyeing this Pitt episode. I get you want to be topical and send a nice liberal message about ICE but do you really think they’re bringing the very people they target in for medical treatment at a hospital????
— dimple haver (@beatface) March 20, 2026
On the subject of whether the show should be covering such issues, one user wrote: “Just in case anyone needs the gentle reminder: Art is inherently political. Healthcare is also political. Therefore, #ThePitt is political.”
Just in case anyone needs the gentle reminder: Art is inherently political. Healthcare is also political. Therefore, #ThePitt is political. pic.twitter.com/IvMJVxfNzX
— shelby elpers (@shelbbs247) March 7, 2026
All available episodes of The Pitt will be accessible to UK viewers when the HBO Max streaming service arrives on March 26.
English (US) · 