The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that over 80,000 Americans applied within the first week of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment campaign. DHS has removed age restrictions for new applicants to expand the pool of candidates for ICE’s mission.
ICE currently employs approximately 20,000 personnel across more than 400 offices in the United States and 53 countries, with roles divided between its two primary law enforcement components: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
HSI, with over 8,700 employees, including special agents and criminal analysts, focuses on disrupting transnational crime, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and child exploitation.ERO, responsible for the apprehension, detention, and removal of undocumented immigrants, manages immigration enforcement processes, including detentions and deportations.
Between October 2014 and November 2024, ERO facilitated approximately 2.32 million removals, averaging 206,565 annually.The agency also employs support staff in divisions such as Management & Program Administration, the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Approximately 63% of ICE personnel hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with 31% having majored in criminal justice, reflecting a predominantly male workforce with a focus on law enforcement training.
The recruitment campaign, bolstered by the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” offers significant incentives, including a potential $50,000 signing bonus, student loan repayment and forgiveness options, enhanced retirement benefits, 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for HSI Special Agents, and Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) for ERO Deportation Officers.
Secretary Noem highlighted the removal of the age cap, stating, “Qualified candidates can now apply with no age limit,” encouraging applicants to visit join.ice.gov. The ICE website previously stated regarding the age limit: “Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. The day immediately preceding an individual’s 37th birthday was the last day to be referred for selection consideration for criminal investigators. The day immediately preceding an individual’s 40th birthday was the last day to be referred for selection consideration as a deportation officer. The age restriction did not apply to preference-eligible veterans or those currently serving or who have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement position covered by 5 U.S.C. § 8336(c) or 5 U.S.C. § 8412(d).”
All recruits must pass rigorous medical and drug screenings and a physical fitness test to qualify. Since July 4, 2025, ICE has extended over 1,000 tentative job offers, including to retired federal workers, to meet its goal of hiring 10,000 new agents to support an ambitious target of deporting 1 million people annually.
The ICE recruiting website states: “Once you submit your application, you may need to complete an assessment. ICE will evaluate your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the appropriate hiring managers for further consideration and possible interviews. You will be notified via email of the outcome after each step is completed. Your status will also be updated on your USAJOBS account throughout the process.”
The job description’s ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section notes that ICE law enforcement officers should expect a certain level of risk when performing their duties; however, they are expertly trained, and ICE takes every precaution to protect its officers’ well-being.
Recent graduates with no law enforcement experience may also apply. ICE explains, “Recent graduates who, within the past two years, have completed a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate are eligible to apply. Veterans who, due to military service obligations, are unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree have six years after degree completion to apply.”
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
