Dean Cain, famously known for his portrayal of Superman, found himself on the defensive in a live television interview with political strategist Tim Miller concerning his recent decision to join Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The interview, which took place on the Piers Morgan Uncensored chat show on Monday, August 12, followed Cain’s announcement on Instagram where he shared his intention to help “secure the safety of all Americans.”
The former actor, now 59, who starred in the 1990s series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, stated in his post that he wanted to contribute beyond mere dialogue by becoming part of ICE.
Cain further elaborated on his decision in a Fox News interview, expressing his intention to be sworn in as an ICE agent as soon as possible.
This move has stirred some controversy among Cain’s followers, with Miller being one of the outspoken critics during the Monday interview.
Miller questioned the rationale of having someone untrained join ICE, criticizing the agency for its tactics and labeling them “un-American.” He remarked, “It’s a horrible policy. It is un-American.”
Further expressing his concerns, Miller stated: “They came through a legal process and now we’ve got ICE agents, and apparently former Superman actors are going to jump out of vans and nab them and hold them in deportation cells. That’s insane. Like, that’s not how you act in a free country.”
In response, Cain defended himself against what he perceived as being belittled due to his acting background. He emphasized his experience: “I’m not untrained. I’ve been a sheriff’s deputy for almost 10 years. I’ve been a sworn sheriff’s deputy and a reserve police officer. So, I don’t know why you’re saying untrained.”
Cain continued to refute the criticism: “And by the way, when you join ICE, they train you. So, to say that and try to denigrate because I’m an actor, I shouldn’t be able to be concerned about what’s going on with our borders or with our law enforcement agencies, is denigrating. It’s ridiculous.”
He further argued against dismissing someone’s credibility based on their past professions: “Denigrating somebody because they’re doing this because of what they used to do or what they do or whether they’re an actor or a writer or a newscaster is ridiculous…”
Highlighting the interest in serving ICE, Cain added: “And there’s been over a 100,000 people who have who have put in applications for ICE. So clearly there is a desire for people to step up and serve this country.”
When asked whether he would respect the rights of individuals encountered as an agent, Cain clarified he is not yet an ICE agent but defended those who are, asserting they are being unjustly criticized.
“You’re going out and you’re villainizing these ICE agents who are trying to uphold the law,” he stated. “These are wonderful men and women. They shouldn’t be attacked. Their families shouldn’t be attacked. They’re doing their job.”
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, has confirmed Cain’s upcoming role with ICE, stating he will be “sworn in as an honorary ICE Officer in the coming month.”