Candidates converge on Texas event as agency seeks to hire 10,000 agents.
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ARLINGTON, Texas — They came from all across America to join President Trump’s deportation machine.
A Border Patrol agent, his firefighter wife and their 3-year-old daughter who drove nearly eight hours for jobs that could bring them closer to home. A man from Tennessee who wanted to apply because of “the way things have become with the illegal immigration and the strain it’s been on our economy.”
And a young Latino who was already catching flak for trying to work for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A friend texted: “Oh hell no Ricardo I thought you was joking. I will not speak to you ever again if you become and ice agent … You have a dad who was deported dude.”
They showed up Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, drawn by the Department of Homeland Security, which has mounted a campaign reminiscent of a wartime recruitment drive. Its images of Uncle Sam — wearing a baseball cap with the letters ICE or with an eagle behind him — tell people “AMERICA NEEDS YOU.”
“America has been invaded by criminals and predators,” the recruitment posts on social media read. “We need YOU to get them out.”
Last week’s two-day career expo marked the first major hiring event staged by ICE since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which earmarked about $170 billion for border and immigration enforcement, including tens of billions of dollars for hiring deportation agents and other personnel. ICE officials say it’s the first of several hiring events planned around the country.
Homeland Security officials say that in less than two weeks, the agency received more than 100,000 applications, although it’s unclear how many were viable candidates. The department has loosened age restrictions for potential recruits and is offering hiring incentives such as bonuses of up to $50,000 and student loan repayment benefits. ICE hopes to hire 10,000 deportation officers by the end of the year, although some worry that the expedited expansion could open the door to troubling hires.
Whether the agency will reach its goal remains to be seen, but a couple of days in Texas show there’s no shortage of applicants eager to join an agency that has become essential in Trump’s push to drive out immigrants who are in the country illegally.
In all, 3,000 people attended the expo, and nearly 700 received tentative job offers, according to ICE.
“It’s not difficult to get people to come here … this is a highly desired career,” Matthew Elliston, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations assistant director, told reporters at the expo. “Especially amongst those who are currently in law enforcement. A lot of people want to do this job.”
The wide interest in ICE employment suggests that, while some apply for these federal jobs despite months of uproar over immigration raids, others are drawn to them because Trump’s deportation efforts have great appeal.
“As American citizens, I think we need to step up and try to help instead of depending on someone else to do it,” said one man, who drove 10 hours from Tennessee and declined to give his name. “I think decent people will do that.”
Another man, wearing a shirt with the American flag on it, said he was there because of “patriotism.”
And then there are those who view working as a deportation officer as a means to an end — whether that’s paying for a newly purchased home or gaining financial security.
“I’m looking for a career, not a job,” said 25-year-old T.J. Jordan, who wore a cross around his neck and miniature ones dangling from his ears. “Whether that be law enforcement, immigration enforcement.”
The expo was held inside the Esports Stadium in Arlington — branded the “American Dream City” — halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth.
Inside, screens featured rallying messages to join the team “AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL.” “With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland and our values.” Outside, a group of protesters shouted at applicants: “You’re a Nazi now. You want to deport grandma.”
Even before the 8 a.m. start time on the expo’s first day, a line of about 100 people snaked around the building. ICE officials said about 1,800 applicants had registered to attend. They hoped to come away with 1,000 new hires.
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