Thousands of applicants from diverse backgrounds attended ICE hiring events drawn by job prospects and proximity to home. DHS mounted a wartime-style recruitment campaign using Uncle Sam imagery and slogans such as "AMERICA NEEDS YOU," and social posts urging removal of alleged criminals and predators. The hiring effort follows the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocated about $170 billion for border and immigration enforcement. DHS reported more than 100,000 applications in under two weeks, relaxed age restrictions, and offered bonuses up to $50,000 plus student loan repayment. ICE aims to hire 10,000 deportation officers by year-end, while some express concern over rapid expansion.
A man from Tennessee who wanted to apply because of "the way things have become with the illegal immigration and the strain it's been on our economy." And a young Latino who was already catching flak for trying to work for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A friend texted: "Oh hell no Ricardo I thought you was joking. I will not speak to you ever again if you become and ice agent ... You have a dad who was deported dude."
They showed up Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, drawn by the Department of Homeland Security, which has mounted a campaign reminiscent of a wartime recruitment drive. Its images of Uncle Sam - wearing a baseball cap with the letters ICE or with an eagle behind him - tell people "AMERICA NEEDS YOU." "America has been invaded by criminals and predators," the recruitment posts on social media read. "We need YOU to get them out."
DHS officials say that in less than two weeks, the agency received more than 100,000 applications, although it's unclear how many were viable candidates. The department has loosened age restrictions for potential recruits and is offering hiring incentives such as bonuses of up to $50,000 and student loan repayment benefits. ICE hopes to hire 10,000 deportation officers by the end of the year,
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