WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has received more than 100,000 applications from “patriotic Americans” seeking to help remove “murderers, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists” from the country.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged recruits to answer “a defining moment in our nation’s history.”
“Our country is calling you to serve at ICE,” Noem said in a statement. “Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential. Together, we must defend the homeland.”
The surge in interest follows DHS efforts to boost recruiting in recent weeks, including removing age limits for applicants and introducing incentives funded through the new “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Benefits include student loan repayment, forgiveness programs, and enhanced retirement packages.
The Trump administration plans to add 10,000 ICE officers. In late July, the agency launched “Operation Return to Mission,” targeting retired immigration enforcement personnel with signing bonuses, full salaries, and continued pension payments under a federal Dual Compensation Waiver.
Available positions include deportation officers, criminal investigators, and general attorneys.
Some local law enforcement leaders have criticized the agency’s outreach. Earlier this month, several sheriffs objected to ICE emails sent to deputies in agencies participating in the 287(g) program, which allows local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. The emails encouraged deputies to leave their current posts for ICE jobs, calling their experience “invaluable.”
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