Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has seen a surge in job applications, receiving over 150,000 as President Donald Trump continues his efforts to curb illegal immigration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, recently highlighted in a ‘savage’ South Park skit, announced that more than 150,000 Americans have expressed interest in joining ICE to ‘defend the homeland’.
“ICE has received more than 150,000 applications from patriotic Americans who want to defend the homeland by removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from the U.S.,” Noem stated.
“We have already issued more than 18,000 tentative job offers. Americans are answering their country’s call to serve and help remove murderers, pedophiles, rapists, terrorists, and gang members from our country.”
The recruitment campaign by ICE began earlier this year after Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ allocated $75 billion to intensify the fight against illegal immigration.
The bill also proposed extensions of significant tax cuts, reductions in taxes on tips and overtime, mass deportations, and cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, as well as green energy funding reductions.
The Department of Homeland Security has outlined incentives for working at ICE, such as a signing bonus up to $50,000, options for student loan repayments and forgiveness, 25 percent Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for HSI Special Agents, Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime for Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) Deportation Officers, and enhanced retirement benefits.
A job advertisement emphasizes: “This is a pivotal moment in our country’s history, and your experience and expertise are vitally needed. On behalf of a grateful nation, we proudly call upon you to serve your country.”
In August, the Trump administration revealed plans to scrutinize the paperwork of over 55 million individuals to assess potential violations that could impact their ability to remain in the United States.
This group includes tourists in the country, students with study permits, and residents living in the US on green cards.
Julia Gelatt, associate director of the US immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, pointed out that the 55 million figure likely includes many individuals not currently in the US but holding tourist visas that permit multiple entries into America.
Several nations permit their residents to visit the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, but those who are not eligible must secure a visa for entry.
If a visa holder is found to have breached the terms of their visa, it will be revoked. If they are currently in the US, they could face deportation.