Dean Cain, the former Superman portrayer from the 1990s TV series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," has made a striking announcement: he intends to join the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that has stirred public discourse. In an interview conducted on Wednesday, Cain, who is already a sworn law enforcement officer, revealed his upcoming oath-taking ceremony to become an ICE agent at the earliest convenience. This decision follows his recent video endorsement, urging the public to enroll in ICE following the agency's aggressive recruitment campaign, aligned with the Trump administration's heightened deportation initiatives.
From 1993 to 1997, Cain donned the iconic cape of Superman, captivating audiences worldwide. His acting career has since diversified into various films, television shows, and even directing ventures.
In an official statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that Cain would be inducted as an "honorary ICE Officer" within the upcoming month. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of DHS echoed this sentiment, likening Cain's endorsement to a call for real-life superheroes to join ICE's courageous workforce, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding communities and apprehending the most dangerous individuals.
Earlier in July, ICE announced ambitious plans to double its workforce by recruiting an additional 10,000 personnel, focusing on deportation officers, attorneys, criminal investigators, student visa adjudicators, and other vital roles. This expansion aligns with the Trump administration's goal of significantly increasing deportations.
During his Fox News appearance on Wednesday, Cain shared the overwhelming response to his recruitment video, stating, "I never anticipated the video would create such a buzz." He further revealed his discussions with ICE officials and his impending oath-taking ceremony. "It's time for people to step up, and I'm leading by example," Cain emphasized, expressing hope that former officers and ICE agents would follow suit, collectively meeting the recruitment goals swiftly and contributing to national security.
President Trump has pledged to escalate deportations to one million annually, a commitment that has led to an increase in immigration raids since his presidency began. These raids have sparked widespread protests, with critics denouncing them as unlawful.
On July 29th, ICE sweetened the recruitment deal with bonuses of up to $50,000 and student loan assistance, targeting Americans eager to participate in the administration's deportation drive. The DHS unveiled recruitment posters reminiscent of World War II, featuring slogans like "America Needs You" and "Defend the Homeland," accompanied by images of Uncle Sam, President Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and other officials. By Wednesday, the agency had received over 80,000 applications for the 10,000 positions, with Noem revealing on Fox News that age restrictions for applicants had been lifted.
Currently, ICE comprises 20,000 officers and support personnel stationed across 400 offices nationwide. This recruitment drive comes on the heels of Trump's signing of a landmark spending bill, allocating over $76 billion to ICE—a tenfold increase from previous funding levels, solidifying its status as the most generously funded federal law enforcement agency.
