DHS Secretary Says ICE Has Received 100,000 Applications 'From Patriotic Americans Who Want to Help Remove the Worst of the Worst'

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 who want to help remove murderers, gang members, pedophiles, and terrorists from the U.S."

In a statement on its official website, DHS also shared comments by Secretary Kristi Noem:

"Our country is calling you to serve at ICE. In the wake of the Biden administration's failed immigration policies, your country needs dedicated men and women of ICE to get the worst of the worst criminals out of our country. This is a defining moment in our nation's history. Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential. Together, we must defend the homeland. JOIN.ICE.GOV."

The news comes as Homeland Security has ramped up recruiting in the past few weeks, taking measures such as removing age limits for applicants and offering new incentives funded through the recently enacted "One Big Beautiful Bill," including student loan repayment and forgiveness programs, as well as enhanced retirement benefits.

The recruitment campaign comes as the Trump administration moves to expand ICE's enforcement workforce by 10,000 officers. In late July, ICE also began targeting retired immigration enforcement officers under a program called "Operation Return to Mission," offering signing bonuses, full salaries, and continued pension payments through a federal "Dual Compensation Waiver."

That waiver allows retired federal employees to return to service without losing their retirement benefits. Positions available include deportation officers, criminal investigators, and general attorneys.

Some of the agency's outreach, however, has prompted criticism from local law enforcement leaders. In early August, several sheriffs objected to ICE emails sent to deputies currently working in agencies partnered with ICE through the 287(g) program, which allows local officers to help enforce federal immigration laws.

The emails in question, reported by NBC News, encouraged deputies to leave their current posts and apply to ICE, citing their "invaluable insight and skills."