Homeland Security Secretary Christa Noem revealed on Tuesday that over 150,000 individuals have applied for positions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), expressing a desire to assist the agency in deportations.
“ICE has received more than 150,000 applications from patriotic Americans wishing to protect their homeland by addressing the threat posed by illegal immigrants,” Noem stated.
She went on to mention, “We have already issued over 18,000 interim job openings. Americans are responding to the nation’s call to eliminate criminal elements like killers, pedophiles, rapists, terrorists, and gang members.”
This surge in interest comes in the wake of widespread anti-ICE protests this summer, which sometimes turned violent, as reactions intensified to an increase in deportations and immigration arrests. In response to these developments, ICE launched a major recruitment campaign in late July, bolstered by a substantial funding boost aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
Some new recruits are reportedly being offered attractive six-figure salaries to join ICE. Additionally, incentives include bonuses of up to $50,000, student loan repayment programs, improved retirement benefits, and various overtime opportunities related to deportation efforts.
ICE’s push is particularly focused on drawing in former federal law enforcement personnel who had left during the Biden administration, appealing to them through a campaign titled “Operation Return to Mission.”
Last month, Noem announced that ICE had removed age restrictions for new recruits, allowing individuals over 37 years old for specific roles.
Currently, ICE is conducting large-scale operations in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration. Recently, the department initiated Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, aimed at targeting illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities. Noem criticized local policies that, in her view, protect such individuals and allow them to live freely in the community.
