Eric Immesberger spent over 20 years as a New York ATF agent, working undercover, taking down violent criminals, dismantling gun-trafficking networks, and operating inside some of the most dangerous environments in the country. In this episode, Eric shares the real stories behind his career—from his early years as a Brooklyn detective to high-risk federal operations, major crime investigations, and the intense pressure of hunting armed offenders in New York. He opens up about the violence he witnessed, the criminals he pursued, the psychological toll of undercover work, and the personal sacrifices required to do the job. This interview dives deep into the realities of federal law enforcement: firearms trafficking, gang cases, task-force operations, trauma, mental health, and life after retirement. If you’re interested in true crime, federal agents, New York law enforcement, or raw stories of danger, survival, and justice, this is one of the most revealing conversations you’ll hear.
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#ATFAgent #FederalAgent #LawEnforcementStories #CrimeInterview #UndercoverOperations #TrueCrimePodcast #JusticeSystem #lockedinpodcast
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Thanks to AURA FRAMES, BLUECHEW & PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode:
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Connect with Eric Immesberger:
Website: https://www.ericimmesberger.com/
Support his wood work business: https://www.instagram.com/sendit_woodworking/
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Shop Locked In Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
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Timestamps:
00:00 – The Mindset of Cooperation: ATF, First Impressions & Federal Reality
03:30 – From the Ground Up: Early Career & Entering Law Enforcement
10:00 – Growing Up Hard: Tough Childhood, Discipline & Survival Lessons
15:00 – Why I Became a Cop: Influences, Motivation & Education
22:00 – Becoming a Detective: College to the Brooklyn DA’s Office
27:00 – Federal Guidelines & Cooperation: The Decisions That Change Lives
36:00 – Confidential Informants: The Gray Area Between Justice & Survival
45:00 – Inside Federal Prison: Chaos, Power & Unspoken Rules
01:01:00 – Undercover Operations & Wild Prison Stories
01:14:00 – Breaking Into the ATF: Obsession, Rejection & Relentless Drive
01:22:00 – Explosive Federal Case: The “House of Gay” Home Invasion
01:38:00 – Entrapment vs. Real Criminals: How ATF Builds Cases
01:47:00 – Gunfights, Chases & Leadership Under Fire
02:08:00 – The Violent World of Federal Law Enforcement: Mental Toll & Trauma
02:24:00 – Walking Away: Retirement, Burnout & The True Cost of the Job
02:34:00 – Final Reflections: Street Lessons, Storytelling & Life Advice
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