The immigration crisis from the Biden administration has seen a significant change as Trump’s team intensifies efforts to secure the borders.
Signing bonuses of up to $50,000 for new ICE recruits have been offered, and retired Border Patrol agents are being offered a return through a new reemployment program.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a nationwide effort this week to bring back agents who have retired between 2020 and 2024, saying that their unique experience is crucial to “addressing the challenges ahead.”
The CBP is also offering waivers to allow full annuity and salary compensation, placing these returning agents in one-to four-year long-term assignments.
“Border Patrol retirees have the knowledge and experience we need to address the challenges ahead, and this would provide a unique opportunity to continue their service,” said Human Resources Assistant Commissioner Andrea Bright.
ICE is aggressively recruiting what the Department of Homeland Security is calling “brave and heroic Americans” through its new “Defend the Homeland” campaign, as announced on July 29.
Thanks to a $150 billion windfall from the newly pushed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, ICE has funding to grow fast: nearly $30 billion alone is allegedly designated for hiring and training, including hefty signing bonuses, and a litany of other benefits and offers.
Detailed incentives for ICE’s recruitment drive include:
- Signing bonuses of up to $50,000
- Options to help repay or forgive student loans
- HSI Agents receive 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)
- Deportation Officers under ERO qualify for Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO)
- Retirement packages include expanded benefits for long-term service members
The DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, hasn’t minced words in the fight to protect the borders and the need for more agents.
“Your country is calling you to serve at ICE. In the wake of the Biden administration’s failed immigration policies, your country needs dedicated men and women of ICE to get the worst of the worst criminals out of our country,” Noem said. “This is a defining moment in our nation’s history. Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential. Together, we must defend the homeland.“
Biden’s “failed immigration” legacy includes record highs in illegal crossings and a lack of any federal response, as previously reported by DX, prompting the Trump administration to act quickly and aggressively.
Senate Democrats have responded by introducing the Visible Act, requiring federal agents to display visible ID during enforcement, a move Republicans say could endanger agents already facing a huge spike in assaults.
The White House released a fact sheet earlier this month pointing to a sharp rise in violence against ICE agents, citing a 700% increase in assaults and blaming recent injuries on what it calls reckless anti-ICE rhetoric from Democrats.