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By Jenna Sundel and Gabe Whisnant
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The Department of Homeland Security is scrapping the age limit for new Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruits as it ramps up hiring with a major funding boost from Congress.
Previously, applicants had to be at least 21 and no older than 37 or 40, depending on the role within the agency tasked with locating, arresting and detaining noncitizens lacking legal status.
DHS made the announcement in a press release on Wednesday and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told "Fox & Friends" that applicants as young as 18 can now be "trained and ready."
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"We no longer have a cap on how old you can be or you can continue at age 18, sign up for ICE and join us and be a part of it. We'll get you trained and ready to be equipped to go out on the streets and help protect families," Noem said.
To lure candidates, ICE is offering incentives including signing bonuses of up to $50,000, student loan forgiveness, enhanced retirement benefits and extensive overtime opportunities.
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Why It Matters
ICE is a key player in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts. Congress passed a spending bill earlier this summer to give the agency funds to hire 10,000 more staff.
Polling shows varied opinions on immigration in the U.S. A Gallup poll taken in June found that 85 percent of Republicans agree with President Donald Trump's handling of the issue, compared with 28 percent of independents and 2 percent of Democrats.
The same survey found that 48 percent of Republicans believe immigration levels in the U.S. should be decreased. A 2024 survey reported that 88 percent of Republicans wanted to see a decline in immigration.
What To Know
DHS said that more than 80,000 candidates applied to join ICE less than one week from the launch of the department's recruitment efforts. Noem called the efforts "extremely successful."
"It's overwhelming, to see the amount of response and support that our ICE officers have gotten and people who want to join their ranks," Noem said.
The department said it needs "dedicated Americans to join ICE to remove the worst of the worst out of our country" in a press release.
What People Are Saying
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a statement: "We are ENDING the age cap for ICE law enforcement. Qualified candidates can now apply with no age limit."
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, in an X post: "Calling all patriots. Submit your application TODAY."
What Happens Next
The Department of Homeland Security said all recruits will be required to go through medical screening, drug screening and complete a physical fitness test.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
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