Over 10,000 apply to join ICE amid Trump immigration crackdown

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Tuesday, August 12, that it has received over 100,000 applications from individuals seeking to join the agency. The surge in interest comes amid an intensified push to target and deport what officials describe as “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” from the country.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem issued a call for more Americans to step forward and join ICE, framing it as a critical moment for national security. “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,” she said. “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.”

Expanded Recruitment and Relaxed Requirements

In an effort to attract more candidates, ICE has waived its usual age restrictions for new applicants. The move is intended to make it easier for what officials term “patriots” to join the agency’s mission of removing violent offenders such as murderers, gang members, rapists, pedophiles, and other serious criminal offenders from U.S. communities.

According to DHS, all recruits must still undergo thorough vetting, including medical and drug screenings, as well as a physical fitness test before beginning service.

Incentives and Benefits for New Recruits

The recruitment effort is bolstered by new funding from President Trump’s recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” allowing ICE to offer a series of incentives designed to attract qualified applicants. These include:

• A signing bonus of up to $50,000
• Student loan repayment and forgiveness programs
• A 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents
• Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUI) for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Deportation Officers
• Enhanced retirement benefits for law enforcement personnel

Officials say the combination of these benefits, alongside the mission-focused appeal, is aimed at building a stronger, more capable enforcement force at a time when immigration policy remains at the forefront of national debate.