Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared on August 12, 2025 that ICE received numerous new applications following the Department of Homeland Security's decision to increase immigration officer age eligibility from 37 to 65. The policy aims to solve staffing shortages while the Trump administration pursues its forceful immigration enforcement strategy.
The funding initiative for ICE operations which amounts to $170 billion has generated "hundreds of thousands" of applications mainly from American citizens who are older than 65. The recruitment incentives for new applicants include $50,000 signing bonuses and student loan forgiveness and retirement benefits. The South Park screencap promotion stands out as a creative yet disputed recruitment method which received both public interest and negative reactions.
Critics highlight concerns over training and physical demands for seniors, potential officer quality, and discriminatory enforcement tactics, citing past incidents where U.S. citizens were detained. Supporters praise the surge in applications, while Noem’s high-profile persona as “ICE Barbie” continues to polarize public opinion.
Reference: ICE is Now Recruiting Teens and Seniors in ‘Desperate Attempt’ https://franknez.com/ice-is-now-recruiting-teens-and-seniors-in-desperate-attempt/ Image via Franknez Media