WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump issued a renewed call for Americans to join Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pledging strong federal support for the agency and its personnel as he pushes forward with an expanded immigration enforcement agenda.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump hailed ICE agents as “brave” and “courageous,” crediting them with expelling dangerous criminals from the country.
“Our Brave ICE Law Enforcement Agents are getting the WORST of the WORST Criminals out of our Country — Terrorists, pedophiles, MS-13 gang members, murderers, rapists, drug and human traffickers,” he wrote.
“We need MORE courageous men and women to MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Join ICE now. We will take GREAT care of you, just like you take care of us!”
Massive Expansion of ICE Funding
The post follows confirmation of a $75 billion allocation for ICE under Trump’s new agenda bill — the largest ever in the agency’s history, according to CNN. The funding will be used to:
- Expand detention capacity
- Intensify deportation operations
- Hire thousands of new agents
- Bolster enforcement efforts nationwide
A Homeland Security official told CNN that despite the praise, ICE is under intense pressure, facing increasing workloads and constant communication demands with the White House.
Tensions Inside ICE Amid Public Backlash
While Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have both repeatedly praised ICE officers as patriots who “love our country,” internal reports suggest growing tensions inside the agency.
ICE officers are said to be working around the clock, dealing with both White House expectations and widespread public scrutiny.
Since Trump issued a mass deportation order in January, ICE has faced:
- Criticism from immigration advocates
- Pushback from local communities
- Mixed reviews within the administration itself, with some claiming the agency isn’t going far enough — and others saying it’s overreaching
Political Messaging Ahead of 2024
Trump’s strong support for ICE plays into his broader campaign strategy, centered on national security, border control, and “restoring law and order.”
The messaging also aims to contrast his policies with President Joe Biden’s, whom he accused of “letting in the scum of the Earth.” Trump’s remarks underscore a return to hardline immigration enforcement, a signature issue during his first term.
What’s Next?
As Trump continues to ramp up his second-term agenda, ICE will likely remain at the center of political and legal debates — both as a tool for border enforcement and a target of controversy.
The question now is not only how the agency will manage this dramatic expansion but also how the American public will respond to a renewed crackdown that many see as divisive — and others as essential.
