In a recent announcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has received an overwhelming response of over 200,000 applications from Americans eager to join their efforts in capturing and deporting the "worst illegal criminals" residing in the United States.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, "ICE has been inundated with applications from patriotic Americans who are determined to protect our homeland by removing murderers, pedophiles, rapists, terrorists, and gang members from our country," according to the official release on the DHS website.
The announcement detailed a comprehensive federal incentives package offered by the agency, which includes a signing bonus of up to $50,000, opportunities for student loan forgiveness, additional pay for operational availability, and enhanced retirement benefits for ICE agents.
The DHS emphasized that this overwhelming response demonstrates "the citizens' commitment to safeguarding the nation and the security of their communities."
Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson, praised the news on social media platform X, stating, "ICE has secured more than 200,000 applications from those eager to support law enforcement in ridding the United States of the worst illegal criminals."
In August, ICE initiated a new public outreach campaign across social media and its website, urging American citizens to assist in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
One of the controversial graphics shared by the federal agency on X, reminiscent of vintage military recruitment posters, declares, "Your country needs you. Help deport undocumented foreign criminals: pedophiles, murderers, fraudsters, cartel members, drug traffickers, and thieves."
The campaign, operating under the slogan "AMERICA NEEDS YOU," asserts that "the United States has been overrun by criminals and predators. We need you to help remove them."
Just two weeks following the announcement, ICE reported receiving over 100,000 applications from citizens aiming to "remove the worst criminals" from the nation.
Understanding ICE's Recruitment Efforts
What incentives does ICE offer to new recruits?
ICE offers a federal incentives package that includes a signing bonus up to $50,000, student loan forgiveness options, additional operational availability pay, and enhanced retirement benefits.
How has the public responded to ICE's recruitment campaign?
The public response has been significant, with over 200,000 applications submitted by Americans eager to assist in deporting the "worst illegal criminals" from the U.S.
What is the aim of ICE's public outreach campaign?
The campaign seeks to engage American citizens in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds, under the slogan "AMERICA NEEDS YOU."