In the third part of an interview with Breitbart News, acting ICE director Todd Lions presented an ambitious plan to restore law and order. This involves a nationwide recruitment effort aimed at attracting patriots to join immigration enforcement. Under President Trump, Lions emphasized that ICE is not just targeting criminal foreigners and drug cartels; it’s also reshaping its workforce with dedicated Americans.
The mission of patriotism and public safety
“We seek out the best patriots who want to engage in meaningful law enforcement work,” Coach Lions remarked to Breitbart. “We’re interested in individuals who are committed to protecting this country, understand the importance of immigration laws, and genuinely wish to make a difference.”
“There are over 140,000 applicants from diverse backgrounds,” he added. “What’s particularly promising is the strong number of veterans—those who have recently left active duty—eager to serve in local, state, and federal law enforcement roles.”
Lions noted that thanks to funding from Trump’s significant legislation, ICE has the means to attract and retain quality candidates. This support allows ICE to offer retention bonuses, employment incentives, and student loan repayment options, ensuring agents feel valued and recognized for their daily efforts.
Reconstruct what’s lost
Lions didn’t hold back when discussing the agency’s struggles during the previous administration, which saw many agents resign prematurely.
“Several of our past special agents and senior leaders were dissatisfied with being restricted from fulfilling their law enforcement missions,” he pointed out. “Many retired early or felt frustrated, but now they can get back to the work they joined to do.”
Now, ICE is clearly communicating its intentions through various incentives. The agency is back in business, making a significant investment in its workforce.
ICE has articulated that “the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of ICE agents and their families” is now a primary focus for agency leadership. This involves providing proper resources, equipment, and support to face increasingly dangerous enforcement scenarios.
Calling to serve
Lions described ICE’s mission as a “national effort” focused on shielding American communities from suspected criminals, drug traffickers, and terrorists. “We greatly influence public safety,” he stated, highlighting a recent operation that intercepted fentanyl precursors at sea and dismantled a cartel network.
In July, it was reported that ICE reached out to former agents to come back to service. An official noted, “You have served the United States with honor. Now, your country needs you again.” They emphasized that returning to ICE means providing essential services for the nation.
Lions also underscored the agency’s new partnerships with other federal agencies. “This government-wide strategy has unified our law enforcement efforts,” he clarified. “We’re collaborating with the DEA, FBI, CBP, and even the Department of Defense.”
In August, it was shared that Dean Cain, the actor known for his role as Superman, had joined ICE. He declared on social media the importance of standing alongside first responders to ensure the safety of all Americans.
An ICE representative responded to this news, saying, “Superman is encouraging Americans to become real-life heroes by joining these courageous men and women striving to protect our communities.”
Current leadership has stressed the critical need for adequate training, resources, and support systems, ensuring the safety and operational capability of agents.
Protecting Americans
The increased recruitment is driven by the rising operational need for ICE, especially in sanctuary jurisdictions where local cooperation is often lacking. Having the right personnel is essential for effectively tackling these challenges.
Lions commended the Department of Homeland Security’s Christanoem Bureau for ensuring agents had the necessary time and resources during recruitment. “The secretary has been instrumental in helping us avoid the pitfalls of hasty vetting,” he noted. “We are focused on finding, retaining, and hiring the best patriots for our law enforcement mission.”
Lions concluded with an appeal to potential candidates considering careers in immigration enforcement.
“My commitment to our workforce is to ensure they have adequate training and the right equipment, along with proper care,” he emphasized. “It’s vital that we look after them and their families as they take on such dangerous jobs every day.”
He reassured that “we’re going to ensure not only their safety but also that we provide everything needed to fulfill their mission.”
