FBI Special Agent Scott Payne dedicated nearly three decades—precisely twenty-eight years—of his life to the demanding and often perilous world of law enforcement. Throughout this extensive career, Payne accepted some of the most dangerous assignments imaginable, including long-term undercover operations that required him to secretly embed himself within violent neo-Nazi networks, factions of the Ku Klux Klan, and even ruthless outlaw motorcycle organizations. These assignments demanded not only extraordinary courage, but also the capacity to adapt seamlessly to different subcultures that were often hostile, suspicious, and unforgiving toward outsiders. To exist in that environment required a remarkable blend of psychological resilience, strategic foresight, and an ability to carry the dual burden of appearing completely credible to criminals while remaining steadfastly loyal to the principles of justice and safety.
Host Kevin Reilly engaged Payne in a wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation that unpacked the intricacies of this kind of work. Together, they explored numerous dimensions of his career, beginning with the rigorous training provided by the FBI to prepare agents for life-threatening assignments. Payne elaborated on the unique methods of undercover operations, describing how agents infiltrate highly insulated groups, whether among violent biker gangs known for their rigid codes of loyalty, or extremist organizations driven by toxic ideologies such as white supremacy. Their discussion also turned to Payne’s experiences working along the U.S. border, where issues of crime, smuggling, and violence present their own complex challenges, as well as the profound transition he faced when ultimately deciding to step away from the Bureau after decades of immersion in such high-stakes work.
Since retiring from active duty in 2021, Payne has not withdrawn from confronting the problem of violent extremism. Instead, he has chosen to channel his extensive knowledge and personal experiences into a new vocation. He now works as a professional public speaker in partnership with the initiative known as Eradicate Hate, delivering presentations designed to spread awareness, encourage prevention, and foster resilience against extremist ideologies. In addition, Payne authored a book entitled *Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America’s Nazis*, in which he provides readers with a gripping, first-hand narrative of his undercover assignments, the strategies that kept him alive, and the larger lessons that can be learned about hate-driven groups operating in the United States. Those interested in following his current work and reflections can also explore his official Instagram account, where he shares further insights into his career, his mission to reduce extremism, and his life beyond the federal service.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-fbi-undercover-agents-actually-work-2025-10
