In less than two weeks, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has received over 100,000 applications from citizens looking to join its ranks to "remove the worst criminals" from the country, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported this Tuesday.
The announcement, shared on the agency's official account and endorsed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, highlighted that President Donald Trump's call has mobilized "patriots willing to defend the homeland" amid a 1000% increase in assaults against ICE agents.
However, critics warn that these calls can promote xenophobia and racial profiling, especially in a context marked by persecution against immigrants.
"This is a defining moment in the history of our nation. Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential. Together, we must defend our country," declared Noem, inviting people to apply via JOIN.ICE.GOV.
To broaden the pool of candidates, ICE has removed the age limits for applicants and provided a benefits package.
Among them is a signing bonus of up to $50,000; options for reimbursement and student loan forgiveness; an additional 25% payment for special agents of HSI; uncontrolled overtime for ERO deportation officers; and enhanced retirement benefits.
All applicants must pass medical exams, drug tests, and physical fitness assessments before joining.
The announcement is part of President Donald Trump's new anti-immigrant policy and the recent national campaign by ICE encouraging citizens to assist in the identification and deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
The message, disseminated under the slogan "AMERICA NEEDS YOU," has been criticized by organizations advocating for migrant rights, which warn of a potential increase in xenophobia and racial profiling.
"We are seeing cases where ICE does not distinguish between individuals with criminal convictions and workers who have been in this country for years without any legal issues," warned Maricela López, spokesperson for the organization Raíces Unidas in Texas.
According to the DHS, over 180,000 deportations were recorded in the first half of 2025, a 22% increase compared to the same period the previous year. While a large portion involves individuals with serious convictions, there have also been documented expulsions of migrants with no criminal history.
This wave of mass recruitment marks a turning point in the strategy of Trump and Noem, who have positioned the expulsion of irregular immigrants at the center of their national security agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE's Mass Recruitment and Trump's Immigration Policy
Why has ICE received so many applications to join its ranks?
ICE has received over 100,000 applications from citizens wishing to join in "removing the worst criminals" from the country. This surge in interest is due to President Donald Trump's call, which has mobilized "patriots willing to defend the homeland" amid an increase in assaults against ICE agents. Additionally, ICE has removed age limits for applicants and offers attractive benefits, such as a signing bonus of up to $50,000, which has further encouraged applications.
What benefits are offered to new ICE agents?
New ICE agents can receive a signing bonus of up to $50,000, reimbursement options, and student loan forgiveness, as well as a 25% additional pay for HSI special agents, uncontrolled overtime for ERO deportation officers, and enhanced retirement benefits. These incentives aim to attract more individuals to join the ICE team in their campaign to identify and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
How has ICE's new campaign to recruit agents been criticized?
The ICE campaign has been criticized by organizations advocating for migrant rights, which warn of a potential increase in xenophobia and racial profiling. These organizations point out that ICE does not always differentiate between individuals with criminal convictions and workers who have been in the country for years without legal issues. Furthermore, there is concern that the language used encourages false reports and creates a climate of fear among migrant communities.
What impact does Trump's immigration policy have on deportations?
Trump's immigration policy has led to over 180,000 deportations in the first half of 2025, a 22% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Although many of these deportations involve individuals with serious convictions, there have also been documented expulsions of migrants without any criminal history. The administration has intensified measures to compel self-deportation and has expanded the use of economic sanctions as part of its immigration control strategy.
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