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Original Date Announced
January 20, 2025Section 21 of the Presidential EO 14159, "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to take all appropriate action to significantly increase the number of ICE and CBP agents and officers available to perform the duties of immigration officers.
Trump 2.0 [ID # 1397]
2025.01.20 EO 14159 - Protecting the American People Against InvasionEffective Date
January 20, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action
July 29, 20252025.07.29 DHS - DHS Launches "Defend the Homeland" Nationwide to Recruit Patriots to Join ICE Law Enforcement
DHS announced a recruiting campaign, "Defend the Homeland," to hire more ICE agents to "remove the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from America’s streets." DHS promises recruits a sign-on bonus of as much as $50,000; student-loan repayment and forgiveness options; 25% law-enforcement-availability pay for HSI special agents; administratively uncontrollable overtime pay for deportation officers; and "enhanced" retirement benefits. The recruiting effort is funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. DHS will begin distributing recruitment materials to college campuses, job fairs, and law enforcement networks immediately.
View DocumentSubsequent Trump and Court Action
August 6, 20252025.08.06 ICE ending age limit for prospective officers - The Hill
The Hill reports that ICE removed the age cap for new hires, allowing applicants over 40 to join its deportation force. The age cap for investigators, previously set at 37, was also eliminated. DHS Secretary Noem posted about the change on X, stating there is now no age limit for ICE law enforcement candidates. ICE also promoted signing bonuses of up to $50,000 and student loan repayment up to $60,000.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Presidential OrdersAssociated or Derivative Policies
- January 20, 2025 EO 14159: "Protecting the American People Against Invasion"
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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Commentary
2025.02.05 Homeland Security's workforce might not be as big as Trump's immigration goals - NPR
NPR reports that DHS expanded under the Biden administration to add over 19,000 employees, but former officials warn the agency is still understaffed to meet Trump's ambitious immigration enforcement goals. Trump plans to use DHS to carry out mass deportations, strengthen border security, and limit legal immigration, but there are many challenges with recruitment, retention, and morale at CBP, ICE, and USCIS. While Trump has prioritized hiring for immigration enforcement roles and redirected resources from other agencies, DHS still faces long-standing staffing shortages, backlogs, and operational hurdles that could slow the implementation of his immigration policies.
Go to article2025.08.03 CPR News - ICE recruits former federal workers to join its ranks amid hiring spree
CPR News reports that ICE is recruiting retired federal workers to join its enforcement, legal, and investigative teams as part of a broader hiring push. In a recruitment email shared with NPR and posted online, ICE urges retirees to "serve once more." The email includes a message on a new webpage which invites them to "RETURN TO MISSION" and support the agency's work.
Go to article2025.08.04 ICE Accused of "Poaching" Agents from State and City Police Forces, Sparking Pushback from Local Sheriffs - Law Enforcement Today
Law Enforcement Today reports that ICE sparked backlash by sending mass recruitment emails, including offers of substantial signing bonuses, to various law enforcement officers and deputies across the country, including some trained under 287(g) agreements. This drew criticism from local sheriffs, who felt it was inappropriate for ICE to exploit their partnership to recruit their personnel.
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