Dean Cain, remembered for his role as Superman in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997), publicly announced that he will be joining the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an agent.
The news, first shared on his Instagram account and later expanded upon in an interview with Fox News, has sparked an intense debate on social media due to the symbolic weight carried by the fact that the actor who portrayed a superhero supports the more restrictive immigration policies of the Trump administration.
The announcement on Instagram: “Not just to talk about it, but to join it.”
In a video featuring music from the theme of Superman, Cain addressed his followers directly:
"For those who don't know, I am a law enforcement officer as well as a filmmaker, and I felt it was important to join our emergency services to help ensure the safety of all Americans, not just talk about it. So, I joined," he stated.
In the same message, he justified his decision by stating that since Donald Trump's rise to power, ICE "has arrested hundreds of thousands of criminals, including terrorists, rapists, murderers, gang members, and drug traffickers."
His call to action included specific incentives: a bonus of up to $50,000 for signing, student loan forgiveness programs, and improvements to retirement plans.
Additionally, he emphasized that "a university degree is not required" to apply.
Cain closed his speech with a call to join in:
"ICE is taking the worst off the streets. We need your help to protect our homeland. Join today if this interests you, because you can make a difference."
From a viral post to a formal commitment: The interview with Fox News:
The day after its publication on Instagram, Cain explained on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News how his involvement came to be. He recounted that it all started when he shared a recruitment video from ICE.
"Actually... I am a sworn deputy sheriff and reserve police officer; I wasn't part of ICE, but once I posted that and you mentioned it on your show, it went viral," he explained.
Following the fallout, he held discussions with agency officials and decided to formalize his entry: "I will be sworn in as an ICE agent as soon as possible."
About his motivations, he insisted in a patriotic speech: "This country was built thanks to patriots who stepped forward, whether popular or not, and who did the right thing. I truly believe this is the right thing to do."
In the political arena, Cain has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and his immigration agenda.
He believes that the U.S. immigration system is "broken," and he thinks that as long as Congress does not reform it, ICE must continue to enforce the law strictly.
“President Trump campaigned on this. He is delivering on this. It’s what people voted for. It's why I voted, and he will fulfill it, and I will do my part to make sure it happens.”, he concluded.
The announcement coincides with an unprecedented recruitment offensive by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aimed at adding 10,000 new agents to meet the goal of one million deportations annually.
The campaign includes the removal of the age limit for applications and the offering of financial incentives that range, in fact, from bonuses to the forgiveness of student loans.
Mixed reactions
Social media quickly became polarized. Among the supportive messages, some users praised their “coherence and bravery” for transitioning from rhetoric to action.
In contrast, critics pointed out the symbolism of the "very Superman" endorsing policies perceived as exclusive.
A viral comment on X stated: “Even Superman himself would be disappointed in you, Dean.”
Cain replied tersely, "No way."
To detractors, the contradiction is evident: Superman is a fictional immigrant who arrived from another planet, while the actor who portrayed him defends one of the most controversial agencies in immigration matters.
Although Cain remains culturally linked to the character that made him famous, his public life has shifted towards conservative activism.
His incorporation into ICE symbolizes, for his supporters, a tangible step in the defense of national security. For his critics, it is a gesture that undermines the iconic image of the hero he once embodied.
In any case, Cain's decision comes at a time when ICE is looking to expand its staff and strengthen its presence, and when the debate over immigration remains one of the most divisive issues in American politics.
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