ICE Looks to Lure Retirees to Ramp-Up Immigration Crackdown With $50k Signing Bonuses

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is actively recruiting retired immigration enforcement officers to return to duty as part of the Trump administration's broader plan to expand deportation operations across the United States.

The agency is offering incentives including up to $50,000 in signing bonuses, full salaries, and continued pension payments under a federal hiring mechanism called a Dual Compensation Waiver (DCW).

The use of the DCW allows the agency to rehire retired federal employees from the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) without requiring them to forfeit their annuities. These reemployed annuitants are appointed on a temporary or term basis and serve at the will of the agency.

A recent email sent to former ICE officers, which was reviewed by The New York Times, called the campaign "OPERATION RETURN TO MISSION," promising that eligible retirees could return to federal service without a reduction in retirement benefits. "We are issuing an urgent call," the email stated, urging those who left ICE in the past five years and in good standing to apply before August 1 to receive the full incentive package.

Official job postings have since made their way to the agency's website, with a landing page that features the "Return to Mission" title accompanied by an image of the iconic Uncle Sam image traditionally used to recruit troops. The image is followed by a paragraph that reads:

"You served the United States of America with distinction and honor. Now, your country is calling upon you to serve once more. Due to the prior administration's disastrous immigration policies, the men and women of ICE now face unprecedented challenges. Your experience and unwavering commitment are critically needed to secure our communities and uphold our laws"

It continues: "On behalf of a grateful nation, we proudly call upon you to RETURN TO MISSION and reclaim your vital role among the courageous men and women of ICE." Available positions include Deportation Officer, Criminal Investigator, and General Attorney.

Homeland Security official Robert J. Hammer promoted the campaign on LinkedIn, writing:

"Ready to rejoin the mission and get up to a $50k signing bonus ON TOP OF rehired annuitant pay (pension + paycheck)? Submit your application by Aug 1 to be eligible for the full recruitment incentives package."

This recruitment effort comes amid significant changes within the agency as Congress approved a major increase in ICE's budget earlier this month meant to support the administration's pledge to expand the agency by 10,000 officers and intensify enforcement in major urban areas.